29th December, 2019 The National Emergency Management Committee is closely monitoring Cyclone Sarai’s movement as it hovers over the Fiji Group and moves slowly towards Tonga.
Chairman and Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei chaired the first meeting yesterday, December 29 at the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) in Nuku’alofa and received briefing from Tonga Meteorology Services (Tonga Met), NEMO, Tonga Police Force, His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga Red Cross Society and the Ministry of Finance on the status of readiness and preparation.
Hon Tei said the advise received from the Tonga Met office confirms that Cyclone Sarai will be a threat to Tonga, despite possibilities that it might be downgraded to a Category 1 again before it reaches the Kingdom.
“We are closely monitoring its movement at the moment and will rely on the advise from Tonga Met,” he said.
“At the same time we would like to advise members of the public to prepare while we can and to listen to the weather bulletins and warnings being given out.
“We will decide on the next course of action within the next 12 hours.”
Hon Tei said the NEMC will meet again at 1pm on Sunday to determine on the next course of action that Tonga will take.
NEMC will advise the Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’I’onetoa, his Cabinet and His Majesty King Tupou VI on the status of the cyclone and Tonga’s readiness program. The committee will also advise the Hon Prime Minister on whether a State of Emergency is required or not.
Acting Director of Tonga Met Laitia Fifita briefed the committee on the status of the cyclone and possible scenarios that Tonga should be prepared for.
Cyclone Sarai is currently hovering over Fiji, causing flooding and damage to houses in the island of Kadavu, the Yasawas, the Mamanucas and the Western Division of Fiji.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.