By Matangi Tonga reporters
Severe flooding in Nuku’alofa inundated roads this morning after overnight storms, with gale force winds and exceptional rainfall, toppled trees and brought down power lines on Tongatapu.
Today, forecasters warned that a second line of squally weather will pass over southern Tonga this afternoon and tonight, bringing more rainfall. A gale warning remains in force for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, with a heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory for all of Tonga land areas tonight.
Already, today Saturday, Tongatapu has received over two and a half times its average monthly rainfall for the whole month of October. Many areas of Nuku’alofa were flooded and affected families were being moved to evacuation centres on higher ground.
Tonga Power was working to secure power lines that had been brought down by falling trees in several places.
Chief Meteorological Officer, Gary Vite, told Matangi Tonga that 246.5mm of rain was recorded at Fua’amotu between 1:00am Saturday morning until 7:00pm this evening.
At the same time, “The highest rainfall was at ‘Eua with 252mm at Kaufana.”
He said ‘Eua also had the highest wind gusts of 46.8 knots at Kaufana Airport at 9:00am this morning. Tonga Met at Fua’amotu recorded a gust of 43.9 knots, and at Kolovai 41 knots.
October and November, in the past, were the months of lowest rainfall for southern Tonga. Fua’amotu’s monthly average for October, is 92mm, according to data published by Tonga Met (based on averages over 30 years, from 1981 to 2010).
Trees toppled
Strong winds and heavy rains over the last three days have weakened the roots of trees.
Residents at a home in Fanga were working to clear their access road blocked by a large ‘Ovava tree that was uprooted in gales before 7:00am this morning. It also brought down powerlines onto the flooded road.
A resident, Moana, said she was thankful that no one was hurt. “I was watching the wind when all of a sudden I heard snapping sounds, that’s when I saw the tree starting to tilt over. I ran downstairs to wake the others up hoping that the tree doesn’t fall on the house – thank God it didn’t, we’re so blessed that no one was hurt.”
She said the tall ‘Ovava tree was planted by their mother over 40 years ago, around the time her younger brother was born.
Evacuations
A spokesperson for the National Disaster Reduction Management (NDRMO) office, Paula Finau, told Matangi Tonga they had received flooding reports but no reports regarding damage. "The only thing we can do now about these flooding reports is to move the families from their homes to evacuation centres, which we have already done," he said.
Flood advisory
In a severe flood advisory issued at around 5:30 pm The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO Tonga) urged drivers to avoid using Bypass Road in Nuku’alofa.
“We urge the public to avoid using Bypass Road, as it is currently experiencing severe flooding. Due to the rising water level, many vehicles have stalled, and engines have been affected. For your safety, please take alternative routes and avoid walking or driving through this area. Your safety is our priority. Please stay alert and take necessary precautions,” NEMO stated on its FB page.
NEMO warned the public to avoid affected areas and advised flooded homes to, “Seek your district or town officers for evacuation centers if you and your family critically need to move from flood.”
Lines down
The storm caused power outages and danger from falled power llines. Early on Saturday afternoon Tonga Power Ltd. issued an advisory to all electricity consumers of Tongatapu.
“Due to the current windy weather conditions, Tonga Power Limited is experiencing power outages in several areas. These outages are primarily caused by broken lines resulting from fallen trees.
“Our teams are currently assessing the situation, clearing the lines, and focusing on repairing the damage. We anticipate that this process may take a few hours as we prioritize the safety of both our team and the public. “We urge the community to exercise caution during this time. Reports of fallen trees on various lines have been received, and we advise everyone to stay safe and avoid any hazardous areas.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as our teams work diligently to restore power and ensure safety for all,” TPL stated today.
Weather forecast
Gary Vite said Tonga Met will be monitoring the situation overnight, and the gale warning would remain in force for Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua, until another squally line had passed.
A strong wind warning remains in force for the Niuas and Vava’u.
The 7:00pm Saturday weather bulletin for Tonga stated that an active trough lies over the groups and is expected to clear by Monday next week. Associated clouds, heavy occasional rain, strong to damaging gale force winds with potential isolated thunderstorms will affect the groups until tomorrow, Sunday, especially for the Niuas and Vava'u. Weather alerts will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/tongametservice
