An overnight curfew is in place in Tonga now as it awaits Cyclone Gita – which is threatening to become a devastating category five storm.
Commissioner of Tonga Police, Stephen Caldwell has ordered a curfew in the Central Business District area of Nuku’alofa starting from 9pm tonight until 7am tomorrow morning Tuesday 13 February 2018.
The following roads delimits the CBD area, Tupoulahi Road to the east,
Mateialona Road to the south, Vaha’akolo Road to the west and Vuna Road to
the North.
“This is to further protect people and property, and we ask for public understanding and common sense to be used at this time.”
No one is allowed to enter the Nuku’alofa Central Business area unless you’re part of Tropical Cyclone Gita’s Emergency Response Team.
Those who live within the CBD area are being urged to stay indoors, or get to an Evacuation Centre as soon as possible.
“We are urging people to seek refuge from this severe cyclone that could be the most powerful in the country’s history,” says Commissioner Caldwell.
Police Patrols will be joined by His Majesty’s Armed Forces for full coverage of Tongatapu to ensure Community awareness, public safety and to evacuate as necessary.
Key Safety Messages to the public;
Keep yourself and your family safe
Keep off the road
Stay at home if it’s safe
Get to an Evacuation Centre as soon as possible with food and water
Keep away from the Coastline
Make sure you have water, food, candles, torches
Medical kit if you have them
Charged cell phones for Emergency
Keep indoors away from flying debris
