An undersea eruption occurred in the west of the islands of Hunga Tonga nad Hunga Ha`apai in Tonga in 2009. The eruption was visible from Nuku`alofa, the capital of Tonga. Steam and ash were emitted more than 1 km high. Stream and ash column first appeared after series of sharp earthquakes were felt in the capital, Nuku`alofa. This resulted in the cancellation of both domestic and international aircraft flights, as well had detrimental impacts on the marine ecosystem around the area of eruption.