We are emotional. One week after the catastrophic Hunga explosion and multiple tsunamis in Tonga, we have a chance to let you, our readers, know that we at Matangi Tonga are fine. You may have seen reports coming out of Tonga by satellite phone and through a few people who have full internet access. Tonga is dealing with a disruptive catastrophe. From our office we felt the massive blast of the Hunga eruption and watched many powerful tsunami waves arrive. We have articles and reports to bring you, but right now we're just saying “we're back - and thanks for all the well wishes and concerns”. We will upload our articles and photos when and as we can. 'Ofa atu, Pesi and Mary Lyn Fonua
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Results for Emergencies
Wednesday 1 December 2021
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A 7,000 litre water tanker was handed over to the Tonga Fire and Emergency Services, donated from Japan, today, December 1. The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr. Kensaku Munenaga said that in the aftermath of natural disasters, this water tanker will also deliver essential water sources to vulnerable people.
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Monday 29 November 2021
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A blaze engulfed a small house situated behind the Tufumahina Royal Residence on Saturday night, November 27. The main house at the front of the compound was not affected.
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Wednesday 28 July 2021
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A 76-year-old woman died last night, July 27 at Vaiola Hospital from the Nuku'alofa CBD house fire, which has now claimed three lives. A man (61) and a child (7) also died. Their names have not yet been confirmed by Tonga Police.
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Tuesday 27 July 2021
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A man and child died in a house fire early this morning July 27, opposite the Nuku’alofa Central Police Station, on Salote Road. Seven people were in the house during the blaze and five escaped. Three survivors remain in Vaiola Hospital.
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Thursday 28 January 2021
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A Ha'apai woman has died today after being rescued with 18 people, who were on board a small local ferry boat that capsized in heavy seas off Foa Island, on Wednesday afternoon. A rescuer said the woman had refused one of his four life jackets so it could be given to a child. There were no life jackets on the boat. Two people remain in hospital.
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Monday 24 June 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A blaze engulfed two houses situated in one property at Patangata as firefighters fought to put it out on a windy afternoon, today June 24.
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Tuesday 15 May 2018
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tropical Cyclone Gita inflicted $356 million pa'anga worth of damage on Tongatapu and ‘Eua on 12 February this year, said Balwyn Fa’otusia, the CEO for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. The damage assessment is equivalent to 38% of Tonga's GDP.
Wednesday 11 April 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
All eight patients at Niu’eiki Hospital in Angaha were evacuated at 8:00am this morning, after 50 percent of the hospital's roof was blown off by Tropical Cyclone Keni.
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Tuesday 20 March 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The night curfew for the Central Business District was extended on March 19 to April 2 as Tonga remains under a State of Emergency after Tropical Cyclone Gita.
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Wednesday 21 February 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Much needed food supplies were today distributed to impoverished families in Popua, who were left living under tin sheds or damaged houses by Tropical Cyclone Gita last week.
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Monday 19 February 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Less than eight months after being officially re-opened, Nuku'alofa's Teufaiva Stadium has fallen back into disrepair with much of the stadium’s tin roofing torn off by Cyclone Gita on Monday night.
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Monday 19 February 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Government of Japan is sending more emergency relief goods to Tonga at the request of the Tongan Government, in the wake of Cyclone Gita.
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Monday 19 February 2018
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Houma, Tongatapu
Cyclone Gita destroyed 18 homes and damaged another 60 houses in Houma, on Tongatapu, where a massive clean-up operation is underway this week. Lord Vaea of Houma said some tarpaulins had been distributed on Saturday, but "We need the tents!"
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Friday 16 February 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Cyclone Gita evacuees currently staying in an evacuation centre at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ha’ateiho, said today that listening to the cyclone warnings helped them decide to move to the evacuation centre before the massive storm hit Tongatapu.
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Friday 16 February 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Widow, 'Oto’ota Tapa’atoutai of Patangata is thankful to be alive with her family, and despite the cruel reality that Tropical Cyclone Gita demolished her small house on Monday February 12, she talked with a smile today as her family picked up the pieces of their life in one of the most vulnerable areas of Nuku'alofa.
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Wednesday 14 February 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The water supply is expected to be fully functional by this evening says Tonga Water Board (TWB) Acting CEO, Kolopeaua Tonga, after Cyclone Gita destroyed the water pump shed located at Mata-ki-‘Eua on Tongatapu.
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Wednesday 14 February 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
At least 80% of the electricity network was severely damaged from Nuku’alofa CBD up to Lavengamelie, to Tofoa and back to Patangata and Popua, said Seti Chen, Manager Operations at Tonga Power Ltd. today as damage assessment after Severe Tropical Cyclone Gita continued. He estimates power should be fully restored within five weeks once extra help arrives.
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Wednesday 14 February 2018
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The death toll is at one from severe Tropical Cyclone Gita on the night of Monday February 12, while three people suffering major injuries were admitted to Vaiola Hospital, in Nuku'alofa.
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Wednesday 14 February 2018
1 comment
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Matangi Tonga is back online, thanks to Digicel Wifi services in Nuku'alofa. Our apologies for the delay in posting our news. Internet and telephone connectivity is currently disrupted on Tongatapu and 'Eua, following Severe Tropical Cyclone Gita on Monday night. News updates and photos will be posted soon. Happy Valentine's Day! Matangi Tonga Team.
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Tonga weather forecast from yr.no, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the NRK. See also Fua'amotu Weather Forecasting Center, Tonga, for latest local weather bulletin.