The volcanic eruption of Tinakula in the Solomon Islands in about 1840 causes the island to be depopulated when pyroclastic flows sweep all sides of the island.

Tinakula, lying at the north end of the Santa Cruz Islands, is about three and a half kilometers (two miles) wide and rises eight hundred and fifty-one meters (two thousand seven hundred and ninety-two feet) above sea level, rising three to four kilometers (one point nine to two point five miles) from the sea floor.

The volcano was first recorded in eruption in 1595 when Álvaro de Mendaña sailed past it.