logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2025
17m 53s

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai (Classic)

SiriusXM and Atlas Obscura
About this episode
Created by a volcanic eruption in 2015, this island in the South Pacific no longer exists… but we chat with a person who got to see it before it disappeared. 
Up next
Today
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Classic)
From opera singers to strange noises emitting from air conditioners, listeners share stories about their unusual neighbors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. 
13m 49s
Yesterday
Love Thy Neighbor (Classic)
We share stories about our neighbors – from an unusual pet in Maryland, to an out-of-place front yard in Brooklyn, to a beekeeper with a secret. Plus: We want to hear YOUR neighbor stories! Tell us about your neighbors’ yards, their house decor, their habits – and what you like a ... Show More
10m 37s
Sep 23
The Seed Huntress
Dive into the invisible world of seeds, Sefra Alexandra, the self-titled “Seed Huntress.” She tells us about her global mission to preserve our planet's diverse seeds and protect our future food security by uncovering the stories of culinary and cultural significance rooted in th ... Show More
22m 39s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2022
Tonga eruption – how it happened
The effects of the Tonga eruption could be felt around the world, many heard the boom of a sonic shock, and tsunami waves travelled far and wide. Volcanologist Shane Cronin from the University of Auckland in New Zealand is one of only a handful of people to have landed on the tin ... Show More
29m 34s
Jan 2023
One year on from the Tonga eruption
We’re taking a look back at the January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, which literally sent shockwaves around the world. One year on, and we’re still uncovering what made the volcano so powerful, as well as unpacking its long lasting impacts.Roland is joined by Profe ... Show More
28m 55s
Nov 2024
Whakaari: Eruption on White Island | Hell on Earth | 2
As a wave of burning steam, ash and debris rolls down toward the shore, 47 tourists and guides sprint for cover, but there is no avoiding the blast. Meanwhile, a boat full of tourists that just left White Island returns to help. And back on the mainland, a local helicopter pilot ... Show More
38m 19s
Nov 2022
A Dangerous Word
In this two-part special, we remember a community of forgotten people cast out to a remote Hawaiian island. http://donate.storycorps.org/podcastSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship ... Show More
17m 32s
Apr 2022
Tsunami detective in Tonga
Just over two months ago, the undersea volcano of Hunga Tonga erupted catastrophically, generating huge tsunamis and covering the islands of Tonga in ash. University of Auckland geologist Shane Cronin is now in Tonga, trying to piece together the sequence of violent events. Edinb ... Show More
34m 28s
Feb 2023
SYMHC Classics: The Eruption at Heimaey
<p>This 2016 episode covers the aftermath of after a series of earthquakes on the eastern side of the Icelandic island of Heimaey in 1973. As the eruption developed over time, it became more dangerous, and a variety of measures were undertaken to stop the flow of lava.</p><p>See ... Show More
26m 16s
Jan 2023
One year on from the Tonga eruption
We’re taking a look back at the January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, which literally sent shockwaves around the world. One year on, and we’re still uncovering what made the volcano so powerful, as well as unpacking its long lasting impacts.Roland is joined by Profe ... Show More
56m 42s
Mar 2023
SYMHC Classics: Year Without a Summer
The 2015 episode covers a volcano eruption in Sumbawa, Indonesia in 1816, that combined with several other factors to create an unusual -- and catastrophic -- series of weather events. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
26m 18s