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Cyclone Ula moves away from Vavaʻu 

By
Kaniva Staff
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The core of Cyclone Ula is moving away from the central Islands of Vavaʻu, according to Fuaʻamotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre, at its tropical cyclone advisory number thirteen  issued at 11:30am Saturday January 2,  2016.

However the tropical cyclone warning remains in force for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, it said.

Category Three Tropical Cyclone Ula  has caused significant damage to trees and buildings in Vavaʻu outer islands and cut to powerlines in mainland.

A hurricane warning is now cancelled for Vavaʻu.

A storm warning is now in force for Vava’u, remains in force for Ha’apai and is now cancelled for Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A gale warning is now in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

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

A heavy damaging swells remains in force for Niuatoputapu, Vavaʻu, Haaʻpai, Tongatapu and ʻEua coastal waters and is now in force for Niuafo’ou coastal waters.

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

Situation:

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula(category 3) was re-located to 18 decimal 0 South, 173 decimal 3 West or 80km North-Northwest of Vava’u or 200km North of Lifuka at 07:00am this morning. The cyclone has estimated winds of 150km/hr near its centre.

The cyclone is currently moving West-Southwest at a speed of 20km/hr.on its current track severe tropical Cyclone Ula is expected to lie 240km west of Vava’u or 160km Northwest of Tofua or 200km Northwest of Ha’afeva around 07:00pm this evening.

For Vava’u and Ha’apai:

Very destructive east to southeast winds of 80-90km/hr with momentary gust up to 120km/hr.

Overcast with frequent heavy rain with squally thunderstorms.expect possible flash flooding including seas flooding in low ying areas. High to very high seas.a heavy easterly damaging swell.

For Tongatapu and ʻEua:

East to southeast damaging winds with average speed of 65-70km/hr with momentary gust up to 90km/hr. Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Very rough to high seas. A heavy easterly damaging swell.

For Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu:

East to southeast winds 45-55km/hr.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible, heavy at times.

Rough to very rough seas.a heavy damaging west to Northwest swell.

Cyclone Ula: Pōhiva announces national state of emergency

By
Kaniva Staff
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Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva has announced a national state of emergency as severe Tropical Cyclone Ula is expected to move close to the Islands of Vavaʻu at 7am this morning.

In his announcement the Prime Minister said:

Pursuant to Section 32 of the Emergency Management Act 2007 and having been certified that an emergency is happening or is about to happen in the Kingdom due to the destructive force winds and sea rises caused by Tropical Cyclone Ula and that it is necessary for the emergency powers to be exercised in order to prevent or minimize the loss of human life, illness or injury, property loss or damage and damage to the environment, I hereby declare that a state of emergency exists in all the land and sea areas of the districts of Vava’u and Ha’apai commencing from 10.00 pm, on Friday, 1st January, 2016. Declared in Nuku’alofa on this day, 1st January, 2016.

The state of emergency declaration will expire at 10pm on Friday, 29th January, 2016, unless it will be terminated earlier by the Prime Minister.

The announcement was made as  tropical cyclone warning was cancelled for Niuatoputapu.

On its 10th Tropical Cyclone Advisory this morning January 2, 2016 at 2am, the Fuʻamotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre (FTCWC) said a tropical cyclone warning remains in force for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua but is now cancelled for Niuatoputapu.

What is a national state of emergency?

Declaring a national state of emergency is an option when a disaster or other event is or is likely to be of such severity that it is beyond the resources of the local Civil Defence groups.

It provides for national resources to be marshalled to perform emergency functions and tasks such as:

* rescues
* evacuations from dangerous areas and the closing off of buildings, homes and other premises, public places and roads.
* setting up first aid posts
* providing relief such as emergency food, clothing and shelter
* regulating road, air and sea traffic
* undertaking the emergency disposal of bodies

It also allows authorities to requisition any land, building, vehicle, animal, boat, equipment, construction materials, bedding, food and medical supplies considered necessary for the preservation of human life.

FTCWC said: A hurricane warning remains in force for vava’u.

A storm warning remains in force for  Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A strong wind warning is in force for Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou.

A heavy damaging swells remains in force for Niuatoputapu, Vavau, Haapai,  Tongatapu and ʻEua waters.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for all Tonga.

Situation:

Severe tropical cyclone ula(category 3) was located 17 decimal 9 south, 172 decimal 8 west or 150km Northeast of vava’u or 270km Northeast of lifuka at 01:00am this morning.

The cyclone has estimated winds of 150km/hr near its centre.

The cyclone is currently moving West-Southwest at a speed of 20km/hr.on its current track severe tropical cyclone ula is expected to lie 40km North of Vava’u or 170km North-Northeast of Lifuka around 07:00am this morning.

For Vava’u:

East to Southeast winds gradually increasing to very destructive winds of 120-150km/hr with momentary gust up to 200km/hr.

Overcast with frequent heavy rain with squally thunderstorms. Expect possible flash flooding
including seas flooding in low lying areas.  Very high to phenomenal seas. A heavy damaging swell developing tonight.

For Haapai, Tongatapu and ʻEua:

East to Southeast winds gradually increasing to destructive winds with average speed of 80-90km/hr with momentary gust up to 120km/hr in the next 10-24 hours.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers becoming overcast with frequent heavy rain with squally thunderstorms.high to very high seas.a heavy damaging swell developing tonight.

For Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu:
East to Southeast winds 45-55km/hr. Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible, heavy at times.
rough to very rough seas. A moderate to heavy east to Southeast swell.

Tide predictions:

High tide : 01:00am
Low tide : 07:15am

The mean sea level pressure recorded at Lupepau’u Airport (Vavau) at 02:00am was 995.0 millibars.

The next tropical cyclone advisory for Tonga will be issued about 05:00am this morning.

House fire breaks out on New Year’s day in Vavaʻu

By
Kaniva Staff
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The occupants of a house in Veitatalo in Neiafu, Vavaʻu escaped unharmed from a blaze which caused significant damage to a building owned by a local businessman.

The cause of the fire which erupted at about 4am this morning Friday, January 1, 2016 has yet to be officially determined.

Fire
First house fire of 2016 in Vavaʻu. Photo/Latu Niua Lepolo

A correspondent in Vavaʻu however told Kaniva News it was alleged the fire started after one of the occupants fell asleep leaving food he was cooking on the stove unattended.

The owner of the house, ʻIsi Lutui Fakatulolo operates a bakery and it was not immediately clear whether or not it was affected by the fire.

Emergency Service authority in Vavaʻu could not be reached for comments.

Vavaʻu faces “destructive winds” as severe Cyclone Ula increasingly intensified

By
Kaniva Staff
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Vavaʻu Islands were facing “destructive winds” of 100-110 kilometres per hour  within 12 – 24 hours as Tropical Cyclone Ula increasingly intensified,  reported the Fuaʻamotu Tropical Warning Centre (FTWC) today at 1pm Firday 1, 2016, at its cyclone warning advisory number six.

For Tongatapu, ʻEua, Niuatoputapu and Haʻapai,  winds gradually increasing to destructive winds with average speed of 80-90km/hr with momentary gust up to 120km/hr in the next 12 to 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Ula has been upgraded to Category Three and warning about its severity remains in force for Niuatoputapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, according to FTWC.

A hurricane warning remains in force for Vava’u.

A storm warning remains in force for Niuatoputapu, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A gale warning remains in force for Niuafo’ou.

A heavy damaging swells remains inforce for Niuatoputapu, Vavau, Haapai, Tongatapu and ʻEua waters.

A heavy rain warning is now in force for all Tonga.

Situation:

Severe tropical Cyclone Ula(category 3) was located 16 decimal 4 south, 169 decimal 9 West or 410km East of Niuatoputapu or 500km East-Northeast of Vava’u at 10:00am this morning.

The cyclone has estimated winds of 120km/hr near its centre. The cyclone is currently moving Southwest at a speed of 8km/hr.

On its current track severe Tropical Cyclone Ula is expected to lie 170km South of Niuatoputapu or 180km North-Northeast of Vava’u around midnight tonight.

For Vavaʻu:

Winds gradually increasing to very destructive winds of 100-110km/hr with momentary gust up to 130km/hr in the next 12 to 24 hours.

Cloudy with occasional showers, gradually becoming overcast with frequent heavy rain with squally thunderstorms. Expect possible flash flooding including seas flooding in low lying areas.

Very high to phenomenal seas. A heavy damaging swell developing.

For Niuatoputapu, Haapai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua:

Winds gradually increasing to destructive winds with average speed of 80-90km/hr with momentary gust up to 120km/hr in the next 12 to 24 hours.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers becoming overcast with frequent heavy rain with squally thunderstorms.

High to very high seas. A heavy damaging swell developing.

For Niuafo’ou:

Winds gradually increasing to damaging winds of 65-70km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible heavy at times. Very rough seas. A moderate to heavy east to southeast swell.

Tide predictions:

High tide : 12:45pm

Low  tide : 07:00pm

The mean sea level pressure recorded at Lupepau’u airport (Vavau) at 1:00pm was 1003.6 millibars.

Cyclone Ula intensifies as warning remains in force for Tonga, strong wind alert for Niuafo’ou

By
Kaniva Staff
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The tropical cyclone warning for Niuatoputapu and Vavaʻu now includes Haʻapai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua while a strong wind alert is in force for Niuafoʻou, says the Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 7.00am Friday 1, 2016 on its cyclone advisory number three.

Tropical Cyclone Ula is now upgraded to category two and it has an estimated wind of 115km/hr near its centre and is currently moving West/Southwest at a speed of 15km/hr.

On its current track, Cyclone Ula is expected to lie very close to Vavaʻu around midnight tonight.

A storm warning is now inforce for Vavaʻu.

A gale  warning is now inforce for Niuatoputapu, Haʻapai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A strong wind warning remains inforce for Niuafoʻou.

Situation:

Tropical Cyclone Ula was located 15 decimal 9 South, 169 decimal 6 West or 450km East of Niuatoputpau or 560km East-Northeast of Vavaʻu at 04:00am this morning.

For Vavaʻu:

East to South East winds 75-80km/hr, increasing to 95-100km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.

Cloudy with occasional showers, gradually becoming overcast with rain heavy at times with possible isolated thunderstorms. High to very high seas.a heavy East to Southeast swell.

For Niuatoputapu, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua:

East to Southeast winds 65-70km/hr, increasing to 75-80km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible heavy at times. Very rough to high seas. A moderate to heavy East to Southeast swell.

For Niuafo’ou:

East winds 45km/hr-55km/hr, increasing to 65-70km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible heavy at times. Rough to very rough seas. A moderate to heavy east to Southeast swell.

Tide predictions:

High tide : 12:45pm

Low  tide : 07:00pm

The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua’amotu at 07:30am was 1008.2 Millibars and the relative humidity was 85% the next tropical cyclone advisory for tonga will be issued at 10:00am this morning.

Tropical cyclone warning for Niuatoputapu and Vavaʻu

By
Kaniva Staff
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UPDATED: A Tropical Cyclone warning is now in force for Niuatoputapu and Vavaʻu, Fua’amotu Weather Forecasting Centre reported on its tropical advisory number one at 3pm today December 31.

It said Category One  Tropical Cylone Ula was located about 570km East of Niuatoputapu or 670km North East of Vava’u at 12:00pm this afternoon.

Tropical Cylone Ula has estimated winds of 80km/hr  near its centre and is currently moving South-South West at 25km/hr.

Cyclone Ula  developed on Wednesday night and has caused stormy weather around Kiribati, Tokelau and Tuvalu throughout the week.

For Vava’u and Niuatoputapu: Moderate to fresh East to South East winds, becoming strong and gusty in the next 24 to 48 hours .

Cloudy with occassional showers, gradually becoming overcast with rain heavy at times.

Rough seas. A moderate East to South East swell.

For the rest of Tonga:Moderate to fresh East to South East winds, fresh and gusty at times.cloudy with scattered showers.

Rough seas. A moderate East to South East swell.

Predictions: High tide : 12:00pm, Low  tide : 06:10pm

The mean sea level pressure recorded at fua’amotu at 3:00pm was 1006.9 millibars and the relative humidity was 79%.

The next tropical cyclone advisory for Tonga will be issued at 09:00pm this evening or earlier.

Vaiola authority responded after open hole revealed on Kaniva News

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akauʻola told Kaniva News this morning he will “act…as soon as possible” after he received a photo and contact from us seeking his comments on an open hole at the hospital that caused public concerns.

Dr ‘Akauʻola believed the opening gap was related to “a drain that has missed its cover”.

“Thank you for forwarding this picture. It looks frightening!” he said.

“I will act on this ASAP”, he added.

The open hole was located at a road in Vaiola Hospital in which one of the locals said it poses danger to public safety  and  those who regularly visited the largest hospital in Tonga.

Hole

When the photos were taken yesteday the hole was not cordoned off and there were no traffic cones or warning signs around it to warn public before anyone could become a victim of the dangerous open gap.

The size of the hole was not known but Mapa Taumālolo who took photos of it said those responsible were “careless” and the hole was “dangerous” for children who regularly at the area.

READ MORE

Risky open hole at Vaiola hospital causes public concerns

Kaihea and Hola arrested over Sacramento September shooting

By
Kaniva Staff
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Two people have been arrested in California in connection to the search for suspects accused of shooting at Sacramento City College in September.

Charlie Hola, 19, and Tevita Kaihea, 19, are facing murder charges for the shooting at the community college that killed one person, Sacramento Police reported today December 29.

Shortly after the incident three months ago Sacramento Police tweeted they were searching for a sole suspect, whom they identified as a “male Tongan, white shirt/beige cargo shorts, last seen fleeing (on) foot from the shooting.”

The duo  were also charged on attempted murder, discharge of a firearm with great bodily injury, participating in a criminal street gang and motor vehicle theft.

They were scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 31.

Risky open hole at Vaiola hospital causes public concerns

By
Kaniva Staff
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This hole is extremely dangerous because many parents and their children as well as motorists used the road where it is located to reach the mortuary. Photo/Mapa Taumālolo

An open hole at a road in Vaiola Hospital poses dangerous risk for children and people who regularly visited Tonga’s largest hospital, a concerned Tongan says.

The hole was not cordoned off and there were no traffic cones or warning signs around it to warn public before anyone could become a victim of the dangerous open gap.

The hole was located near the hospital’s mortuary where hundreds visited from time to time to attend failotu (prayer sevice) for their deceased.

Mapa Taumālolo who took photos of the hole this evening Monday 28 said he feared for the safety of children of parents who visited the mortuary.

He said the authority had been “careless” as children parents have brought with them to the mortuary were playing around the area.

“I am concerned otherwise a child would not become aware of the hole and plunges into it”, Taumālolo said in Tongan.

He said he tried to look for something around the area so he could use it to cover the hole but he could not find any and at the same time he was in a hurry to take his family back home.

Taumālolo  also took to Facebook and called on members of the public who could be able to get in touch with hospital authority to let them know about the hole and the risk it has for the public.

Hospital authority was contacted for comments.

Former government senior officials and civil servants face arrests over Tongan passport scandal

By
Kaniva Staff
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Senior officials and civil servants from former governments will be arrested and charged amid Police investigation over Tonga’s decades-long passport scandal.

The revelation was made by Tonga’s Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva on Television Tonga while he addressed the nation with the annual Christmas message last week.

Hon Pohiva said His Majesty King Tupou VI agreed to begin an investigation over the passport scandal while the former government was in power but it refused to do it.

In April this year His Majesty assented to a move by Pohiva’s government to establish a Royal Commission to investigate the Tongan passport scandal.

Hon Pohiva did not give any details or mentioned names of any particular individuals who Police were investigating.

READ MORE:

The Prime Minister also said the work to reclaim Chinese US$25 million grant to Tonga in which the former government transferred to Princess Pilolevu and her Tongasat company was currently pursued in court.

He said he was the one who first filed the lawsuit against the Princess and Tongansat in his attempts to return the money but when he became Tonga’s Prime Minister he was advised to withdraw his name from the legal action because of his role for the government.

Hon Pohiva said the case was now being pursued in court by Mateni Tapueluelu and Tonga’s Public Servants Association.

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