By Katalina Siasau

At least 3000 to 4000 people evacuated from Nuku'alofa coastal areas to evacuation centres and inland areas of Tongatapu after a tsunami warning was issued early this morning.

The mass movement was likely influenced by lessons learned from the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai tsunami event in 2022, Mr. Mafua Maka, Director of the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) said today.

"Many families quickly moved inland, with some parking in safer, higher areas and staying in their vehicles."

Mafua told Matangi Tonga that the night-time tsunami evacuation was successful.

He estimated that at least 3,000 to 4,000 people evacuated from Nuku'alofa.

"Last night’s event indicates an improved public understanding of evacuation procedures," he said, thanks to recent workshops and community programs run by his office.

"Villages such as Sia’atevolo, Pili, Tofoa, Havelu, ‘Apimataka, and Ha’alalo, located on main evacuation routes, have recognized their safety and are now assisting by keeping roads clear for those evacuating from coastal and Nuku’alofa areas," he said.

The NDRMO’s monthly siren tests continue to be effective in reminding the public and reinforcing awareness, Mafua said.

First responders

In response to this morning’s tsunami warning, first responder clusters, including the Tonga Police, Fire Department, HM Armed Forces, Ministry of Health, and Red Cross, acted independently, which proved to be a more efficient approach than waiting to communicate with the centre, especially when coms might be disrupted. Director Maka noted that the Police and Fire Department took action even before the tsunami sirens were activated.

The advisory to move inland and to higher ground was issued for coastal areas of Tongatapu, Vava’u, and Ha’apai.

"Reports from Ha’apai and all outer islands have been positive so far," he said, "currently, there have been no reports of damage, wave sightings, or missing mariners."

Aftershocks

Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi reported to Parliament this morning, that Tonga Geological Services confirmed several aftershocks, the strongest being magnitude 6.5.

3:24 am - 4.8 magnitude, 90 km SouthEast of Ha’apai
3:57 am - 4.8 magnitude, 90 km SouthEast of Ha’apai
4:05 am - 6.5 magnitude felt in Tongatapu
4:17 am - 6.5 magnitude felt in Tongatapu
4:34 am - 4.5 magnitude felt in Tongatapu