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Woman rescued after falling overboard from ʻOtu Angaʻofa

A woman has been rescued after falling overboard from a Friendly Islands Shipping Agency  passenger ferry bound for the northern outer islands of Tonga.

The woman fell from the ʻOtu Angaʻofa ferry on Tuesday morning while it was unloading shipments and passengers in Nomuka.

The island has no wharf and the ferry has to heave to in the open sea while cargoes and passengers are offloaded into a barge.

Report from Nomuka said the sea was really rough and it was dark when the woman fell but she was immediately rescued and uninjured.

FISA company could not make a comment saying it’s awaiting a report from the captain of the ship.

The woman’s identity was unknown.

Cyclone relief goods from Kiwis arriving in Vava’u

Cyclone-relief donations from Tongans in New Zealand and other ordinary Kiwis will be arriving in Vava’u from the 11th of April.

Three container loads of goods, collected by the Vava’u Relief Committee have left New Zealand on the Olo Mana. The containers are carrying family-to-family donations as well as many items of non-perishable food donated by Churches and individuals in New Zealand for the Vava’u community at large.

“I am travelling to Tonga to receive the containers and to ensure that all donations get to the right people and the right village after they are unpacked,” says Vava’u Relief Committee Chair, Jenny Salesa.

“I am really grateful to all of the media who have supported our calls for community donations and to the many people who then contributed food items, in particular the many Tongan Church congregations who answered the call as well as the Robertson Road Niuean Church in Māngere.

“My committee is also delighted to be able to offer Vava’u families in New Zealand the chance to support their families back home.

“Thanks to all of these wonderful people, three container loads of non-perishable goods have left New Zealand destined for Vava’u.

“My thanks also to Matson Shipping, which has donated and shipped the containers for free; to Ultimate Transport, which transported the containers within New Zealand for free; to the Lotofale’ia Tongan Methodist Church in Mangere, which hosted the containers while they were packed; and to the Tongan Government, which has waived port and customs duty fees,” Jenny Salesa said.

Tonga grateful, Zena hit but largely unscathed

Cyclone Zena was over Tonga this afternoon but has left the kingdom mostly unscathed.

There were reports of minor damages during the morning hours in Nukuʻalofa including an accident on Vuna Road after a street lamp fell and hit a Tonga Water Board vehicle.

Fuʻamotu Met Services said at 2.45pm today Thursday 7 Tropical Cyclone Zena was downgrated to Category One when it hit Tonga at 1pm.

It said it was located about 95km west-southwest of Nuku’alofa or 110km west of ‘Eua at 1pm.

On its current track, the cyclone is expected to lie about 145km southeast of Nuku’alofa at about 7:00pm this evening.

Met said the storm warning previously in force for ‘Eua, Tongatapu and Ha’apai is now cancelled.

The gale warning previously in force for Vava’u is now cancelled.

The heavy rain warning previoulsy in force for Tongatapu,’Eua, Ga’apai and Vavauis now cancelled. the flash flood warning previously inforce for tongatapu,’Eua, Ha’apai and  Vava’u is now cancelled.

A strong wind warning is now in force for ‘Eua, Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u and is now cancelled for Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou.

A heavy damaging swells remains inforce for Tongatapu,’Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u coastal waters.

Diabetes during pregnancy increases significantly

Tongan women with diabetes during pregnancy were increasing significantly in numbers a statement from Tonga Health said.

Diabetes is a serious health problem in Tonga affecting more than thousands a year.

Tonga Health today marked the “World Health Day” with the theme “Together on  the front line against Diabetes”.

It said diabetes “puts a heavy burden” on patients and affected their financial means and affordability.

“There is also a startling rise in the number of pregnant mothers developing diabetes – referred to as Gestational Diabetic Mothers or GDMs”, Tonga Health said.

The kingdom has committed to fighting against the deadly non communicable disease and in 2006 the Tonga Diabetes Association was established.

Tonga is also one of the 21 member countries of the International Diabetes Foundation.

A study by Professor Stephen Colagiuri of the University of Sydney  found that about  15,000 people in Tonga have type 2 diabetes of which 12,000 were “undiagnosed”.

The survey said most of the population is “overweight and has other risk factors for cardiovascular disease”.

The report found that the “lifestyle-related noncommunicable disease” was key factor in causing the increase in the number of diabetic patients in the kingdom.

Tonga Health has planning and strategy in place to battle the national non- communicable diseases (NNCD) and is supported by the Government of  Australia Tonga Health.

The national health body marked the World Day today in Nukuʻalofa with the following programme:

11am, 89.5FM: Diabetic Specialist Dr. Taniela Palu throws light on the Diabetic epidemic in Tonga

11:30am. A3Z: Diabetic Specialist Dr. Taniela Palu in conversation with Viola Uluaki

2pm, A3Z: LIVE Talk-Back with Dr. Sione Tomiki and chief nurse Seilini Soakai of the Diabetic clinic, Vaiola hospital

7:30pm, TV Tonga1: An in depth conversation with nurses Kafuatu and Penisimani, which special focus on the situation pregnant mothers with Diabetes face and how to win it over.

Cyclone Zena downgraded as it expected to make landfall in Tonga

Tropical Cyclone Zena was due to make landfall in Tongtapu this afternoon but was downgraded to a Category 2 storm overnight as it was moving away from Fiji.

Zena was located about 540km west of Nuku’alofa  at 7am this morning, according to Tonga Met Service Centre at Fu’amotu.

The cyclone has estimated average winds speed of 110km/hr with momentary gust of 155km/hr and is moving east-southeast at 46km/hr.

On its current track, the cyclone is expected to lie about 200km west-northwest of Nuku’alofa or 230km west-northwest of ‘Eua at about 1:00pm this afternoon Thurday 7.

Meanwhile our correspondent in Tonga has reported that clouds spread over most part of Tongatapu and it was rainy in Nuku’alofa.

Facebook users have reported that there was calm in Ha’apai  although there were clouds seen over Lifuka and Foa.

Met said a storm warning remains in force for ‘Eua, Tongatapu and Ha’apai.

A gale warning remains in force for Vava’u.

A strong wind warning remains inforce for Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou.

A heavy damaging swells remains inforce for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u coastal waters.

A heavy rain warning remains inforce for Tongatapu, Eua,  Ha’apai and Vava’u

A flash flood warning remains in force for Tongatapu,’Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u.

For  Tongatapu, ‘Eua and Ha’apai:

Expect damaging gale force winds average speed 65-85km/hr (35-45 knots) this afternoon.

Increasing to destructive storm force winds average speed of 110km/hr(60 knots) this evening.

With momenatry gust up to 155km/hr(85knots).period of rain,heavy at times with severe thunderstorms.expect flash flooding in low lying areas including seas flooding.high to very high seas with heavy damaging swell.

Car accident causes power pole falls near school building occupied by children

School children at Kolomotuʻa Primary School were evacuated from a school building they were studying in because a vehicle crashed into a power pole just outside the school compound on Monday.

The powerpole was broken causing its top part with power lines to lean towards the school building.

No injuries were reported and the conditions of the vehicle and the driver were still unknown.

Facebook users have reported the school was closed down for the midterm break but children who will be sitting the Secondary School Examination Entrance at the end of this year were having classes when the incident happened.

Tropical Cyclone Zena targets Tonga

Tropical Cyclone Zena continues to gain strength as it about to make landfall in Fiji this evening before heading towards Tonga.

On its current track severe Tropical Cyclone Zena Category 3 was located near south east of Nuku’alofa at 1pm today Wednesday 6, The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre (FTCWC) said at 4.30pm.

Zena carried an estimated average winds speed of 120km/hr with momentary gust of 150km/hr and is moving east-southeast at 40km/hr.

It may affect the island groups of ʻEua, Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u from later tomorrow.

FTCWC  said a gale alert is now in force for all land and sea areas of ‘Eua, Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Tongatapu, ʻEua, Ha’apai and Vava’u.

A heavy damaging swells remains in force for Tongatapu,’Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u coastal waters.

Forecast to midnight tomorrow for Tongatapu and ‘Eua:

Fresh to strong south to souwest winds turning north to northwest winds gusty at times increasing to damaging gale force winds from later tomorrow.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Very rough to high seas.

For Vavaʻu and Ha’apai:

Moderate to fresh west-northwest winds, strong at times.

Mostly clodudy with occassional showers, possibly heavy at times, with possible isolated thunderstorms. Seas very rough to high.

Niuatoputapu gets $2 million to build new hospital

The Niuatoputapu’s long-awaited new hospital is scheduled to start soon, but the full benefits of the new buildings are still twelve months away.

The contract for the construction was signed on Monday 4 between the government and the Puloka Construction Group.

The new project was organised after the old hospital was destroyed in the tsunami 2009.

A new hospital and one three bedroom staff quarter for health staff in the most northern island of Tonga is funded by the European Union.

Tonga’s Minister of Finance, Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke said: “I am very pleased, thanks to the EU, that we are now securing funds for the construction of the hospital in Niuatoputapu as well as the staff quarter”.

The Puloka Construction Group Ltd was contracted by the government of Tonga to build private homes in Niuatoputapu funded by the World Bank after the tsunami of 2009.

Tonga Netball will compete in Australia’s Waverley championship

Tonga Netball has announced its U18 & U21 netball squad lists as part of its preparation to participate in the 2016 Waverley International Schools Netball Championships in Melbourne, Australia, in June 28 to July 1.

The Waverley International Schools Netball Championships (WISNC) is held annually at the Waverley Netball Centre, Glen Waverley.

In the past the Australian netball  organisation hosted schools from across Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Samoa and Singapore.

In last year’s competitions Wesley College, Victoria won the senior championship while Tenison Woods College from South Africa won the junior division.

Tongan Under 18 Team

Paea Pahulu – Kalapu Hufangalupe, Sarah Kauvaka – Kalapu Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, Selemana Havili – Kalapu Marist, Fololenisi Havili – Kalapu Marist, Susana Tupou – Fo’ui, Vaimoana  Matakaiongo – Kalapu ‘Ikale, ‘Asinate Lolohea – Kalapu ‘Ikale, Sokopeti Tonga’onevai – Ha’apai, Hena Fonohema –Lapaha Knights, Keleni Kupu – ‘Amaile Kolofo’ou, Aiovale Manuaifua – Turtle Riders, Hofoa, Meleane Vaha’i , Dateline ‘Aholoto – Kalapu Tailulu, Makeleta Halasili – Silapelua, Ha’ateiho, Lose Eke – Folaha, Mele Eke – Folaha, Selesi Mesui – Folaha, Laukau Vaka’uta – Folaha, Fane Finau – Kele’amaka, Vaotu’u, Melani Pahulu – Folaha, Makeleta Taulama – Kalapu Tailulu, Malia Vaioleti – Kalapu Tailulu, Sulieti Teisina – Kalapu Tailulu, Hepisipa Fonohema – Ha’alalo, Ma’ata Pole – Kalapu Tailulu, Tama Taumoefolau – ‘Amaile, Kolofo’ou, Tolofi Takitaki – Silapelua, Ha’ateiho, ‘Alofa Vaiola – Kalapu Tailulu, Seilala Vakalahi – Kalapu Tailulu, Launga Pole – Makaunga, Manusiu Kei – Sopu Sharks, Esther Tu’inukuafe – ‘Anana

Tongan Under 21 Team

‘Ofa Maka – Kalapu Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, Finau Fotu – Kalapu Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, ‘Ofa ‘Asaeli – Kalapu Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, Loumaile Manumu’a – Kalapu Tailulu, Salina Fe’ao – Sapa’ata, ‘Eua, Luseane Vea – Folaha, Susitina Havili – Marist, Manatu Takitaki – Silapelua, Ha’ateiho, Marie Kolope – Kalapu ‘Ikale, Sesilia Lea’aetoa – Silapelua, Ha’ateiho, Losapina Hu’akau – Silapelua, Ha’ateiho, Toetu’u Kuma – Houmakelikao, ‘Ainise Veatupu – Houma, Fe’ofa’aki Ula – Houma, Vai ‘Ikani – Kalapu Tailulu, Hulita Hoeft – Tofoa, Tupou Faletau – Houma, Fipe Kauvaka – Kauvai, Latai Tufinga – Marist, Telesia Teisina – Tailulu, Susana Soakai – Lapaha Knights, ‘Ana Puli’uvea – Lapaha Knights, Hinalei Latuvuki – Tailulu, Lakai Fe’ao – Popua, Sepiuta Ta’ai – Fuekafa, Te’ekiu, Faka’osi Tukuafu – Silapelua, Ha’ateiho, ‘Uheina Hala’api’api – Kalapu ‘Ikale, Liuanga Kei – Sopu Sharks, Mele Pahulu – Folaha, Sini Leha – Fanga ‘o Pilolevu. 

Netball 3

Tonga Power sending team to help in Fiji

A Tonga Power team of six will be  heading west on Saturday to help restore Fiji’s power network after the island nation was devastated by Cyclone Winston in February.

The most powerful cyclone to have ever hit Fiji, killed 44 people, destroyed more than 9000 homes and damaged roads and power networks.

The team includes qualified and experienced line mechanics personnel led by line supervisor Metuisela Afu.

A second team will follow and the mission was expected to be completed by June 15.

The teams will be based in Lautoka where the electricity network was badly damaged by the cyclone.

The Asian Development Bank has donated USD$302,691 to cover for the teams’ travel  and accommodation costs as well as their daily allowances. 

The Chief Executive of Tonga Power Ltd said: “The opportunity to assist our Pacific Island friends in Fiji is a privilege and an immediate priority for Tonga Power Limited. I’m sure if Cyclone Winston had hit Tonga harder, Fijian’s wouldn’t hesitate to lend their support. This initiative would not be possible without the direct financial assistance through the Asian Development Bank. I would like to congratulate ADB for pulling out all stops and fast tracking this important project.”

The Tongan crew will help in disconnecting fallen lines from power poles, clearing debris for the safe re-construction of power lines and re-erecting fallen power lines.

They will also help in re-stringing powerlines and re-installing fallen transformers and other overhead distribution equipment.