A new tsunami evacuation signboard was unveiled by the visiting UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ms. Mami Mizutori, on ‘Apifo’ou College grounds today, 20 October 2023, followed by a tsunami siren drill exercise.

The signboard that identifies tsunami evacuation routes, is one of many others across Nuku’alofa, erected to enhance public awareness.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Sevenitini Toumo’ua said that it is important to ensure the messages the signboards portray, are well received by the public, hoping it will trigger responsible behaviour during times of tsunami threats.

During a tsunami drill students and teachers practiced evacuating the school compound to prepare them for future hazardous events such as the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai eruption last year.

During her visit to Tonga 19-24 October the Ms Mizutori is meeting with the Prime Minister and government officials and representatives of  Tonga's donor partners, Australia and New Zealand. On Saturday, 21 October, she will visit tsunami-affected sites in Tongatapu, with local experts and community leaders to observe recovery efforts and challenges. She will also visit displaced communities from 'Atata.