Results for Vava‘u

Miss Tu‘i Vava‘u 2014 is Laneta Guttenbeil Ha‘unga, sponsored by Miss Jack Guttenbeil Store. Photos by Lisa Molloy.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning is now in force for Vava‘u, Ha‘apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua as Tropical Depression 15F approaches Tonga and is forecast to become a Category 1- 2 cyclone as it moves through southern Tonga on Saturday and Sunday. On its current track and if the depression continues to intensify, the centre is expected to lie about 290km west-northwest of Nomuka or 265km northwest of Nuku'alofa at 7:00pm this evening. Latest forecast at 9:00am from Fua'amotu TCWC.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ian is closing in on Vava‘u tonight with huge gusts and heavy rain sweeping the group, and much worse to come, with “phenomenal seas” and very destructive 90-125 knots gusts predicted before dawn. At midnight, Vava‘u residents said the gusts were getting much stronger. In its 12:30am advisory for Saturday January 11, Fua‘amotu TCWC stated that the Category 4 cyclone was located about 125km northwest of Hunga (VV) and 125km northwest of Longomapu (VV) or about 210km north-northwest of Lifuka at 10:00pm and moving southeast at 5 knots.

Fire gutted a three level building at Fungamisi, Neiafu, on Saturday evening. Photos by LIsa Molloy.

The fire that destroyed the Fungalele Shops and adjacent businesses along the Neiafu waterfront yeterday afternoon is being treated as the work of arsonists, according to Deputy Police Commander, Taniela Fatelau.

Lighting for the Lupepau‘u Airport, Vava‘u, will allow night landings and could make it possible for more international flights, and an increased number of domestic flights to land there. From Matangi Tonga Magazine, Vol. 16, no. 3, December 2001.