Tonga is currently being hit by heavy rain, raising fears of catastrophic floods at housing areas recently built for leaders and guests who are currently attending the Pacific Forum meeting in Nuku’alofa.
The meeting was kicked off in Nuku’alofa yesterday with church service.
Leaders from 18 countries including the USA and Taiwan were expected to discuss concerning issues, including unrest in New Caledonia, climate change, and growing geopolitical rivalries in the blue continent. These issues are likely to weigh on leaders across the PIFLM program, which climaxes on Thursday at the leaders’ retreat.
In his opening remark this morning the UN Secretary General António Guterres said he was glad to address the Pacific Islands Forum.
“We meet at a turbulent time for our world”, Mr Guterres said.
“Raging conflicts; an escalating climate crisis; inequalities and injustices everywhere and the 2030 Agenda is faltering.
“But this region is a beacon of solidarity and strength, environmental stewardship and peace.
The world has much to learn from the Pacific and the world must also step up to support your initiatives”.
Potential flooding
Tonga Met Services said flood and flash flood warnings and alerts are also in place, including a warning for all flash flood-prone areas, small streams and low-lying areas for the whole of the Tonga group.
Some schools on Tongatapu were closed this morning due to adverse weather that has affected these areas.
The severe weather continued this morning from last night, creating ongoing difficulties at the summit and raising concerns about potential flooding in the swampy areas at Pātanga and Sopu. These areas at the Nuku’alofa waterfront, designated for the accommodation of 90 newly constructed prefabricated houses for the leaders and their staff, are particularly susceptible to inundation.
Reports on social media since this morning indicated that Tongatapu residents are worried about potential flooding in the two villages.
Tongan Met Services said an active trough of low pressure from the west was approaching Tonga this morning.
Associating clouds with heavy occasional rain, strong gusty winds, and thunderstorms will affect the group until tomorrow noon, it said.
This system is expected to move eastward and away from Tonga by tomorrow.
