Curfew in Nuku'alofa CBD from 9:00pm tonight [1]
Monday, February 12, 2018 - 18:54. Updated on Monday, February 12, 2018 - 19:27.
Under Tonga's current State of Emergency, a curfew in the Central Business District area of Nuku’alofa will start from 9:00pm tonight (Monday) until 7:00am tomorrow Tuesday 13 February 2018, Commissioner of Tonga Police, Stephen Caldwell stated tonight, as Severe Tropical Cyclone Gita closes in on Tongatapu.
Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Semisi Sika declared the State of Emergency Declaration this morning. Police Commissioner Caldwell, said that the curfew was a further precaution under the Public Order Act, Section 8.
"The following roads delimits the CBD area, Tupoulahi Road to the east, Mateialona Road to the south, Vaha’akolo Road to the west and Vuna Road to the North. This is to further protect people and property, and we ask for public understanding and common sense to be used at this time," he said.
No one is allowed to enter the Nuku’alofa Central Business area unless they are part of Tropical Cyclone Gita’s Emergency Response Team. Those who live within the CBD area are being urged to stay indoors, or get to an Evacuation Centre as soon as possible.
“We are urging people to seek refuge from this severe cyclone that could be the most powerful in the country’s history,” said Commissioner Caldwell.
Police Patrols will be joined by His Majesty’s Armed Forces for full coverage of Tongatapu to ensure Community awareness, public safety and to evacuate as necessary.
Key Safety Messages to the public;
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Keep yourself and your family safe
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Keep off the road
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Stay at home if it’s safe
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Get to an Evacuation Centre as soon as possible with food and water
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Keep away from the Coastline
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Make sure you have water, food, candles, torches
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Medical kit if you have them
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Charged cell phones for Emergency
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Keep indoors away from flying debris