Is the underwater volcano near Tonga as dangerous as Surtsey?

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Scientists are investigating a significant undersea volcano near Tonga that has been erupting for several days, producing impressive columns of smoke and ash that reach thousands of feet into the sky. The eruptions are occurring approximately six to seven miles off the coast of Tongatapu, close to the volcanic islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai. This volcanic activity coincides with a recent 7.9 magnitude earthquake in the region, raising concerns about potential hazards for those documenting the eruptions. The event draws comparisons to the Surtsey eruption in Iceland, highlighting the rare occurrence of underwater volcanic activity.
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Video at the link.

Scientists are on their way to the site of a large undersea volcano that has been erupting for days near Tonga, sending columns of smoke and ash thousands of feet into the sky above the Pacific Ocean.

The spectacular plumes are erupting from the ocean about six or seven miles (10 - 12 km) off the coast of the main island of Tongatapu, near the low-lying twin volcanic islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article5936330.ece
 
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Wow that's impressive. Never imagined I would see an underwater volcano erupting in my lifetime.
 
They also had a 7.9 Magnitude earthquake in that area.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009ejbr.php"
 
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That was utterly majestic. Thanks for the heads up. :!)
 
I wonder what danger the photographers might have been in?

Remember Surtsey, south of Iceland? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surtsey"
 
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