A huge plume of smoke was seen rising over Nuku‘alofa today, sparking fresh concern in the capital just days after a massive fire destroyed the Tonga Hou‘eiki Church Office at Pīkula.
The sighting comes shortly after firefighters in the CBD battled a large blaze that tore through the Tonga Hou‘eiki Church office earlier this week, with livestreamed videos showing towering flames and thick smoke engulfing the central business district.
That fire prompted evacuations and drew significant crowds as authorities worked to contain the inferno.
In the latest incident, livestream videos shared on social media suggested the new smoke was coming from in or near the Loumaile Lodge area, although the precise location and cause of the fire have not yet been confirmed.
The footage showed heavy smoke drifting across parts of the city centre as onlookers attempted to identify the source.
Loumaile Lodge, located in the heart of Nuku‘alofa, is a well‑known accommodation and commercial site in the CBD.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the incident, and it remains unclear whether the new plume is connected to the earlier church office fire or is a separate event.
Kaniva News will provide updates as more information becomes available.
