Repatriates quarantined at the Makeke Camp on Friday were relocated to the Kupesi Hotel at Fua'amotu as a precaution, while Tropical Cyclone Yasa was approaching Tongan waters, MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma’u said today. Apart from minor crop damage, Tonga remained unscathed by TC Yasa.


There was some minor damages to fruit crops, he said. “Vava'u reported minor damages to its fruit crops and kava plants. An assessment is being carried out to determine this.”

“Tongatapu remained unscathed from TC Yasa and we are thankful for that,” said Paula.


However, 73 repatriated passengers from New Zealand and Fiji who were quarantined at Makeke Camp at Vaini were evacuated to Kupesi Hotel at Fua’amotu, on Friday December 20 when the cyclone was approaching Tonga waters.

“This was a precautionary measure since the camp is situated on hill and due to strong winds it was better they were moved. All are fine,” he said.


The passengers will remain quarantined at Kupesi Hotel until they are released this week, after they are tested for CoViD-19.