Results for Natural events

Stating that we “are extremely concerned about the climate crisis” Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama issued a joint statement, together with three other former COP Presidents, last night calling on countries to send an unequivocal message from COP24 in Katowice, Poland, that they are serious about strengthening their commitments to reduce emissions and help build resilience.

The return of seven graduates, including Tonga's first woman Meteorologist, will boost the Meteorology Department, said ‘Ofa Fa’anunu, Tonga's Director of Meteorology.

There is a 75% chance that at least two tropical cyclones will occur during Tonga's 2018/19 cyclone season, which started on November 1 to end on April 30, 2019. At least one could be a severe cyclone, Tonga Met advised.

A two-day Climate Change Donor Roundtable started on October 18 at the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, and focused on Tonga’s Joint National Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management. A climate resilient and low emission development pathway is essential for safeguarding Tonga’s social, economic, and environmental aspirations, says the Minister of MEIDECC.

Tonga continues to be on a drought and El Nino watch according to the Tonga Meteorological Services monthly update on 11 October 2018.

With drier weather forecasts for the next few months, Tonga Meteorological Service is urging people throughout Tonga to conserve water as conditions favour the emergence of El Nino.

Meteorogical services in the Pacific islands are aiming to improve tropical cyclone warning services in the region.

A total of $300,000 pa’anga has been allocated to provide psycho-social support to those dealing with stress after losing homes during severe Tropical Cyclone Gita in February this year.

International observer organizations, concerned with the environment, are urging rich countries to stop holding back their climate change financial support to developing countries, after the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting on the Paris Agreement Work Program, attended by Tonga and other parties, was held between 30 April – 10 May, in Bonn, Germany.