At the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which took place from 26-30 August 2024 and was chaired by Tongan Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters announced the launch of a new weather radar system in Tonga. The $4 million radar (NZD), funded by New Zealand and developed in partnership with the Tonga Meteorological Service and New Zealand MetService, is set to enhance weather forecasting and deliver timely alerts for severe weather conditions.
This radar is the first of its kind in the Pacific and will provide Tonga with crucial early warning capabilities to mitigate the effects of extreme weather. Mr Peters added that the radar will play a significant role in expanding the radar network across the Pacific.
Situated on the seismic Ring of Fire—a major zone of tectonic activity spanning Southeast Asia and the Pacific—Tonga is set to benefit from this advanced technology.
Mr Peters highlighted that the radar facility at Fua’amotu Airport represents the realisation of New Zealand’s earlier commitment. “We are proud to inaugurate this vital installation, following our February funding announcement,” he noted in his speech at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting.
This initiative is part of New Zealand’s $20 million contribution to the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, which also includes training for local personnel. The programme is driven by the Pacific Meteorological Council and endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum. It supports the United Nations’ ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative, aimed at enhancing disaster readiness across the Pacific region.
The weather radar was formally launched in Tongatapu by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, alongside Mr Peters, Sefanaia Nawadra from the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and Tonga’s Minister for Meteorology, Disaster Management, Environment, and Climate Change, Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu. The event was marked by heavy rain and a magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck Nuku’alofa.
Despite experiencing fewer natural disasters compared to some Pacific nations, Tonga faces significant economic and social disruptions during disaster years, according to the World Bank. The recent earthquake on Monday, 26 August at 12:29 p.m. local time, with its epicentre about 9 miles from Tofua and 87 miles north of Nuku’alofa, highlighted the importance of advanced forecasting and preparedness.
Fortunately, there were no reports of major damage or tsunami warnings following the quake, which occurred at a depth of 66 miles. These recent natural disasters underscored the importance of launching the weather system in Tonga, supported by New Zealand and developed in partnership with the Tonga Meteorological Service and New Zealand MetService.