Results for Pacific Islands

Marine heatwave conditions are intensifying in Tongan waters, after Nuku’alofa experienced its hottest day on record, of 34.6 degrees on 22 January. Tonga Meteorological Services warned today that a significant rise in ocean temperatures around Tonga will likely see the marine heatwave conditions persist into February.

A 29-year-old male from Mapelu was arrested and charged by Tonga Police in relation to drug offences on 17 January 2026.

A Tsunami No Threat Advisory was issued by the Tonga Meteorological Service after a 5.5 magnitude earthquake, centred close to ‘Eua, was felt in southern Tonga at 4:31pm today.

Two cases of typhoid fever confirmed in Tongatapu this week are currently under investigation by the Public Health Division of the Ministry of Health, which is urging the public to practise good personal hygiene. The patients, two males aged 17 and 21 from the same household in Hofoa, were admitted to Vaiola Hospital on 16 and 17 January. They were confirmed as typhoid cases on Wednesday and Thursday and are now reported to be in stable condition.

The Commissioners of the Energy Commission are pleased to announce an electricity tariff reduction of 2.58 seniti per kWh (kilowatt hour). This is a 4.1% reduction from the last quarter (Oct–Dec 2025) when the electricity tariff was 92.16 seniti per kWh. The new electricity tariff for this quarter is $0.8958 seniti per kWh. / Kuo tali ‘e he kau Komisiona Ma’u’anga Ivi ke fakahoko atu ‘a e holo ‘a e totongi ‘uhila ‘aki ‘a e seniti ‘e 2.58 ki he kWh.  Ko e holo ‘eni ‘aki ‘a e peseti ‘e 4.1% mei he kuata (‘Okatopa-Tisema 2025) ‘i he taimi na’e seniti ai ‘e 92.16 ki he kWh.  Ko e totongi ‘uhila fo’ou ni ke ngaue’aki ma’ae fonua fakalukufua ko e seniti ‘e $0.8958 ki he kWh.

Tonga does not register foreign vessels engaged in international voyages. “Any foreign vessel currently transmitting under the Tongan flag is doing so fraudulently and without authorization from the Kingdom of Tonga,” the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement last night.

The 2026 session of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga was officially opened today, 15 January 2026. The address from the throne by HM King Tupou VI, read by Lord Fakatulolo, struck a biblical tone. The King warned the House and the country to be wary of wickedness.

Tongans who are looking to travel to the United States on short-term visas will be required to post bonds of up to USD $15,000 ($36,774 TOP), starting on 21 January 2026.

Moana Pasifika announced Miracle Faiilagi from Samoa, today as the new team captain that will lead them into the 2026 DHL Super Ruby Pacific Season.