Police rescued a driver who was swept into the sea with his vehicle with three other men yesterday and have closed a causeway connecting Lifuka and Foa in Ha'apai today, due to high tidal waves as Tropical Cyclone Victor moves through southern Tongan waters. The men were understood to be missionaries from the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Ha'apai.

A spokesperson from Tonga Police confirmed the temporary closure of the causeway to commuters was due to the high tidal waves reaching up to 2 metres yesterday, 21 January. 

Police confirmed that they rescued a driver who was swept with his vehicle into the sea while travelling on the causeway yesterday evening.

Three other men who were believed to be passengers were also reportedly swept into the sea. Locals said the men had got out of the vehicle to remove rocks from the causeway when they were caught by a high wave.

Police confirmed one of the men is reported to have sustained a broken angle and is awaiting transfer to Tongatapu for treatment.

At the same time, an Emergency Operation Centre at the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) in Nuku’alofa was activated on Thursday, 21 January to standby in preparation for the category 2-3 Tropical Cyclone Victor as it moves through the southern Tonga waters tonight.

The police spokesperson who is a member of the joint operation made up of MEIDEC, NEMO, Tonga Met, defence and other stakeholders said the centre was activated around 3:00pm.