29th December, 2019 Cyclone Sarai is expected to move towards Vava’u and Ha’apai in the next 48 hours.
The National Emergency Management Committee met this afternoon at the National Emergency Management Office in Nuku’alofa and received briefing from the Tonga Meteorological Services or Tonga Met.
And NEMC Chairman Hon Poasi Tei said both Vava’u and Ha’apai have been placed on alert.
Hon Tei said the advise from Tonga Met indicates that Cyclone Sarai will change it’s current course and move towards the two islands.
That would mean Tongatapu and ‘Eua will escape the wrath of the cyclone but will still both be covered with heavy rain.
“Both Vava’u and Ha’apai are now on alert and we have activated the divisional emergency teams on the islands,” Hon Tei said.
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“While indications are that both Tongatapu and ‘Eua will be safe the advise to the people is to be safe. We especially ask those living in low lying areas to monitor the rain as flooding is so forecasted. The preparedness plan is now activated and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Acting Director for Tonga Met Laitia Fifita said Cyclone Sarai has been maintained as a category 2.
He said Tongans must prepare now.
Tonga Met has issued gale force wind warnings for Tonga, with accompanying heavy rain.
The NEMC will meet again on Tuesday morning.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications
