Results for Natural events

The Australian Pacific Support Ship, ADV Reliant is docked at Vuna Wharf today, 4 June 2024, to deliver aid containers for the Government of Australia in support of Australian disaster relief projects in Tonga.

Tongan civil defence authorities called for a major evacuation of low-lying areas in Tongatapu and Ha'apai this morning, urging people to move inland to higher ground, after a strongly shaking 6.7 magnitude earthquake was felt in Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and Vava’u at 9:47 am (TOT) today, 27 May 2024. An urgent tsunami alert issued at 9:55am local time was cancelled at 11:00am, after the tsunami threat passed. So far, there have been no reports of damage or injuries.

Sixty New Zealand soldiers working at Lifuka, Ha’apai, were joined by ten army personnel from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Japan and New Caledonia, on their annual mission to offer humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Pacific Islands countries.

Tofua volcano activity continues with an increase in the number of daily events, from 6 events to 12 events, in the latest report by Tonga Geological Services issued at 6:30 am this morning, 9 May. Fluctuations in the ground thermal levels are currently low and approaching normal thermal levels in the last 24 hours.

The aviation community was issued a Yellow ACC alert to be vigilant today while magmatic activities on Tofua volcano are continuing. There were a total of 13 events recorded over the last 24 hours, additional to the seven events in the previous report, the Tonga Geological Services, reported today, 3 May.

An ash cloud was observed being emitted from the Tofua Volcano rising to a height of 4km - 6km on Sunday 29 April 2024 at 10:00pm, and recorded by the Japanese weather satellite HIMAWARI-9. Tonga Geological services reported that the volcanic activity, which commenced on Friday, 26 April, has exhibited an unusual pattern, with continuous monitoring revealing fluctuation in event frequency. A Marine Hazard Alert was issued today advising all Mariners to sail beyond 1.08 nautical miles from Tofua Volcano until further notice.

Collaborative efforts by stakeholders are needed to address Tonga's disaster management, with proper and timely responses, especially where there is a need for evacuation and when people are displaced.

A heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory remains in force for Ha'apai land areas tonight as a trough lies over Ha'apai and is approaching Vava'u tonight.

An upgrade to Tonga’s Seismic Network will cover five strategically positioned stations at Nukuhetulu, Tongatapu; Mt. Talau Vava’u; Hihifo, Ha’apai; Niuafo’ou High School, Niuafo’ou; and Hihifo. Niuatoputapu, where upgrades to infrastructure will help to better monitor and detect earthquakes. The work is being funded by the World Bank through the Pacific Resilience Program (PREP).