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State of emergency declared as Cyclone Gita bears down on Tonga

The Tongan government has declared a state of emergency.

Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Semisi Sika, said this morning the state of emergency, which came into effect at 10am,  had been declared because of the destructive winds and high seas caused by Tropical Cyclone Gita.

“It is necessary for emergency powers to be exercised in order to prevent or minimise the loss of human life, illness or injury, property loss or damage, and damage to the environment,” Hon. Semisi said.

Gita is expected to hit Tonga tonight with winds of up to 200kph.

It is expected to be upgraded to Category Five, the highest possible.

The Tongan Meteorological Service said at 10am this morning the cyclone was located 350KM southeast of Lifuka.

People have been urged to move away from low-lying areas, where flooding and storm surges likely

Heavy sea swells are expected around  Tongatapu, ‘Eua and Ha’apai.

Cyclone Gita has already caused major flooding in Samoa and American Samoa, where there are fears about the spread of dengue.

The storm centre is expected to bring heavy rain to southern Fiji tomorrow.

Tonga has been struck by four category Five cyclones in the past 20 years.

They were Ron (1998), Heta (2003), Ian (2014) and Winston (2016). Winston was the most intense tropical cyclone recorded in the southern hemisphere so far.

The main points

  • The Tongan government has declared a state of emergency.
  • Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Semisi Sika, said this morning the state of emergenc, which came into effect at 10am, had been declared because of the destructive winds and high seas caused by Tropical Cyclone Gita.
  • Gita is expected to hit Tonga tonight with winds of up to 200kph.
  • It is expected to be upgraded to Category Five, the highest possible.

Police Minister defends gov’t stance on Sunday Trading ban; Cyclone Gita becomes category 4

Tonga’s Minister of Police Māteni Tapueluelu said Police forced a hardware supplier to close down yesterday Sunday 11 for breaching the country’s Sabbatical laws.

The Minister said Pacific Timber and Hardware “opened without permission this morning and we had it closed down.”

His response came after Kaniva News reported yesterday two hardware suppliers opened temporarily for the public but they had no permits to do so.

“The people have had plenty of warning since Friday and shops will open again at midnight for people to stock up on food and water,” Hon. Tapueluelu said in an email.

“My concern if we opened all shops we might invite problems with alcohol sales which will become a law and order issue, which we don’t need before the cyclone hits sometime midday onwards tomorrow.”

Hon. Tapueluelu said he has briefed the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Hon. Poasi Tei on the matter.

Debates

The public is divided on whether the government’s stick to its Sunday Trading ban law makes the Tongans safer or protects Christian values.

“On one hand, the risk of businesses opening at last minute threatens the safety of customers traveling to and fro….. On the other hand, if it’s been declared a state of emergency then yes – speed that process up so people can hurry home to protect their families and properties!” a Facebook commentator wrote.

“Should open after 12 midnight tonight to allow people to buy what they need. Poor management everywhere in Tonga. There should be a law that allows people to shop on a Sunday in case of an emergency,” another wrote.

“It was good to close it down  because they breached Sunday taboo. Respect God first,” one commentator wrote.

“Where were all these people on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They should have had everything they needed to prepare for the cyclone before Sunday.”

“Keep the Sabbath holy.”

However some have questioned why some restaurants and bars were allowed to operate on Sundays.

Government closes down

Meanwhile the Ministry of Education has announced that all its schools in Tonga will be closed until further notice because of the severe weather.

“A notice to all government schools in Tonga – please be advised that the Hon. Acting Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Sēmisi Sika has directed that all government schools in Tonga be closed on Monday, 12th February, 2018 due to Cyclone Gita.”

All government staff should expect contacts from their respective Ministers and CEOs if there was a decision to close down their offices.

All District officers and Town officers have been advised to check their respective districts and towns for people and elderly who may need assistance during the cyclone.

Category 4

Cyclone Gita, now rated a Category 4 “severe” storm, is expected to slam into south east Tonga within the next 12 hours.

The extremely powerful and rapidly strengthening tropical cyclone is bearing down on Tonga’s islands of ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u and Tongatapu.

Tonga Met service said this morning Monday 12 at 2am the cyclone was located near 21.4 south 169.6 west or  540km east of the main island Tongatapu or 490km east-southeast of Lifuka at 01:00am this morning.

The cyclone is expected to have average winds of 80 knots possibly increasing to 95 knots by 7:00pm this evening.

The cyclone is moving west-southwest about 10 knots, it said.

“Very destructive hurricane force winds are expected from this evening.”

For more information:

Police shut down hardware shops as destructive hurricane bears down on Tonga

Police shut down hardware shops as destructive hurricane bears down on Tonga

Police shut down a hardware supplier in Nuku’alofa today as residents braced for a very destructive cyclone Gita.

Another hardware supplier opened, but was closed down after warning from Police.

Pacific Timber and Hardware (PTH) shop was forced to close down this afternoon (Sunday February 11) after it opened for the public.

The company was told they should not open without a permit from the Minister of Police.

The Hardware and Building Supplies provider at Wellington road was opened, but closed down after it owner Robert Blake talked to authority.

Tonga’s Sunday Trading ban can only be lifted if a state of emergency is declared, something the government has not done.

PTH opened to the public after it was contacted by people who said they wanted building materials to help them in their preparation for the cyclone.

The company opened today after it made a number of communications with some government authorities and before Police made the move.

“We requested this morning to the Commissioner and Minister of Police via intermediaries (as he is traveling) seeking an emergency permit,” John Paul Chapman of PTH told Kaniva News.

“Unfortunately the Commissioner won’t consider our request as authority lies with the Minister who is overseas at present. We are attempting to talk with the Acting Minister.”

As Kaniva News reported earlier today, PTH and HBS announced they would open today.

Chapman reported on Facebook PTH would open from 2– 6pm to allow the public an opportunity to prepare for Cyclone Gita with emergency supplies.

“We thought 2pm would be plenty of time to consider its application as it is an emergency for a potential Category Four cyclone coming,” Chapman said.

HBS hardware and building supplies planned to open for emergency supplies only from 3pm – 6pm today, Blake told Kaniva News this afternoon.

He has not been contacted by Police.

“I spoke to the minister – his advice was that he was currently at a meeting and would decide how to handle the emergency, but the police didn’t stop us,” Blake said.

He later said his business had opened  with no problems before he  called the minister for confirmation.

After he was told that emergency processes had not yet been issued by the government, he closed his store.

Chapman said it was likely his shop would open earlier than normal opening hours on Monday.

“Our store will likely close at 12 tomorrow as we must also be considerate employers and give our own employees time to go prep at their homes tomorrow,” he said.

He said Sunday afternoon would have given people time to obtain supplies and prepare for the cyclone.

“Unfortunately the process of the application hasn’t worked out for us,” he said.

Bad weather, Monday morning traffic meant it would be a rush for people to get things done tomorrow.

He confirmed PTH had opened, but was closed down within the hour by the authorities.

“We have had discussions with the Commissioner about that and been advised under no circumstances are we to open without a permit authorised by the Minister,” he said.

Very destructive hurricane warning

The powerful Category Three cyclone is expected to hit Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua tomorrow morning.

Tongan Met Service said in its update at 5pm this evening a hurricane warning remains in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A gale warning is in force for the Ha’apai group.

A strong wind warning is in force for Vava’u and the  Niuas.

A damaging swell warning is in force for Tongatapu,’ Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u.

A heavy rain and flash warning is now in force for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

The Met office said the islands would experience very destructive hurricane force winds.

Meanwhile, Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) advised that “it is always important to stay prepared and not just at the last minute, when a cyclone warning is issued.”

“Every family should have an emergency kit packed in their homes.

“Everyone should be mindful of what might cause damage within their homes such as large trees that can potentially damage a house. Please ensure that you and your family are safe during cyclone season.”

The main points

  • Police shut down a hardware supplier in Nuku’alofa today as residents braced for a very destructive cyclone Gita.
  • Pacific Timber and Hardware (PTH) shop was forced to close down this afternoon after it opened for the public.
  • The powerful category 3 cyclone is expected to hit Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua tomorrow morning.
  • Tongan Met Service said in its update at 5pm this evening a hurricane warning remains in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

Confusion over Sunday trading ban grows; Second cyclone Hola formed west of Gita

Tropical Cyclone Gita has strengthened to a severe category three storm and is set to further intensify as it makes its way across the Pacific.

Tonga Met Service has issued its latest tropical cyclone warning this morning Sunday 11 at 11am.

It said:  “Hurricane warning remains in force for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.  A strong wind warning remains in force for the Niuas.”

New Zealand’s Weather Watch last night said the cyclone, which has already caused considerable damage and flooding in Samoa, was likely to become a category four in the next 24 hours.

A potential second tropical cyclone was developing to the west and northwest of Gita.

The new cyclone would be called Hola, Niwa says.

Weather Watch analyst Philip Duncan says the first cyclone is to reach Tonga tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Sunday ban

Meanwhile, Pacific Timber and Hardware (PTH) has announced on Facebook it opens today Sunday 11 from 2pm – 6pm to allow the public an opportunity to prepare for Cyclone Gita with emergency supplies.

“Naikano Paletua will be leading a small PTH team in store. Please note it will only be a small team on site to assist and that the opening is only for emergency supplies to allow any organisations and families to prepare for an intensifying cyclone,” John Paul Chapman of PTH said.

HABS hardware and building supplies at Wellington road in Nuku’alofa also opens for emergency supplies from 3pm – 6pm today, a spokesperson told Kaniva News this afternoon.

Tonga has Sunday trading ban law which it can be lifted in times of emergency.

The government has yet to declare the country was in a state of emergency.

Some people who contacted Kaniva News this morning said they have not received any pubic announcements to confirm whether there was a lift on the ban while the country is bracing for cyclone Gita.

Some people wanted to know whether other hardware providers and retail shops near them were allowed to operate on Sunday.

The Ministry of Police was contacted for comment.

Investigation launched after shotgun fired in South Auckland

A shotgun was fired and cars were damaged at an address in Mangere last night Saturday 10.

Police said they were investigating an incident at a residential address on Staverton Crescent which occurred at around 11.30pm.

The incident involved several people turning up uninvited and unannounced at the address, damaging cars, and discharging a shotgun.

Police are in the early stages of our investigation and do not know enough to comment any further at this time.

However we are following several lines of enquiry and we believe this is an isolated incident.

If you have information on this incident, please get in touch with the Counties Manukau Crime Squad on 09 261 1321.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11

Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua on hurricane alert as Gita strengthens

Hurricane Gita strengthened to a Category 3 storm before it left Samoa on Saturday 10 en route for Niue and Tonga.

Tonga Met Service said at 1am this morning Sunday 11: “A severe tropical cyclone Gita, category 3, was located near 18.5 south 168.8 west or 540km east of Vava’u at 1:00am this morning.

“Close to the centre, the cyclone is expected to have average of 70 knots possibly increasing to 80 knots.

“The cyclone is moving south-southeast about 14 knots. Very destructive winds are expected from Monday morning.”

New Zealand media said Gita is only going to get worse and is expected to go up at least another level to a category 4.

Radio New Zealand said Gita caused damage to power lines across Samoa, cutting electricity to thousands of households.

Gita was set to pass near Niue tonight before heading just to the south of Tonga, where there was a chance of sustained wind speeds reaching more than 150km/h and waves over 10 metres, reported New Zealand Herald.

Police name man accused of stealing thousands

Police named the man arrested in connection to an office burglary in Nuku’alofa on January 6.

Tēvita Fifita, 25, of Fo’ui was accused of stealing more than $10,000 pa’anga from the Office Equipment.

Police arrested Fifita from a bush allotment in Tatakamotonga on February 2.

He has been charged with housebreaking and theft and was remanded in
Police custody.

As Kaniva News reported, a CCTV video which captured the incident was released to Police and social media after the money went missing from the Fatafehi road office.

A search of the place where the suspect was arrested found clothes which match those worn by the person who appeared in the security footage, Police said.

Tonga treatment saved thousands; PM thanks Princess Mata’aho for visit

The Prime Minister’s decision to be treated in Tonga rather than New Zealand saved thousands pa’anga of taxpayers’ money, a government spokesperson said.

He said the government would have spent more than $100,000 if it had hired a medical aircraft to fly the Prime Minister to New Zealand.

Hon. Pōhiva, 76, was admitted to Vaiola hospital’s intensive care unit last month, but he recovered and was discharged about a week later.

The Prime Minister told Kaniva News he was hospitalised because he had not taken care of himself properly, even though he had felt ill for some time.

The Prime Minister is in Auckland on leave and for a regular medical check-up.

Meetings with king

Hon. Pōhiva told Kaniva News this week Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Halaevalu Mata’aho Tuku’aho, the only daughter of the king, visited him while he was at Vaiola hospital.

He said he “deeply appreciated” the royal visit and he was “hugely grateful for the Princess.”

Hon. Pōhiva said he had two meetings with the king before he left for New Zealand.

Asked about the meetings he said they were “wonderful.”

“The king wanted us to move forward. He wanted us to work very closely. That was my interpretation of how His Majesty talked while we met,” Hon. Pōhiva said.

“I was really happy with the meetings.

“His Majesty urged me to look after my health, take a leave and come back to Tonga to do our work.”

He said he planned to return to Tonga this Friday, but because the queen was arriving in Auckland this week he planned to visit her before leaving for the kingdom.

Government policy

The government spokesperson said Health authorities prepared to transfer the Prime Minister to a New Zealand hospital after he was admitted, but he wanted to stay in Tonga.

The spokesperson said the authorities acted according to the government policy which gave them the power to do their utmost to look after the leaders of the nation including the royals.

He said if the Prime Minister had agreed to transfer him to New Zealand the government would have paid more than TP$100,000.

Hon. Pōhiva, who faced criticisms of alleged nepotism in 2015, said the cost was cheap when he travelled to New Zealand on leave and visited his doctor there at the same time. He paid for his expenses, including his medical check-up while in New Zealand.

He rented a house at the ‘Atalanga residence in Epsom and motels in Auckland for his stays.

The Tongan consul at ‘Atalanga, Stafford ‘Aho, confirmed to Kaniva News this evening the Prime Minister paid the rent for all bookings  the consulate has made for him including the house in ‘Atalanga while he was in New Zealand.

Kaniva News understands a former Prime Minister who was wheelchair-bound died after spending months in an Auckland hospital. While he was in New Zealand all his expenses including people who were looking after him were paid from taxpayers’ money.

A former Minister of Police was medically transferred from Tonga to New Zealand while he was seriously ill. He died in the aircraft before his body arrived in Auckland. All expenses were paid from the taxpayers’ coffer.

For more information

King officially dissolves Parliament, new election in November, Crown law website says

Pōhiva denies claims of nepotism, says ministers have vowed to put sexual misdeeds behind them

Taufatofua steals the limelight again, but faces a tough challenge from top athletes

Tongan athlete Pita Taufatofua, who qualified for the Winter Olympics at the last minute after several failed attempts, is facing a tough challenge in Pyeongchang.

Taufatofua will be competing in the cross country where victory, according to one world champion, goes to whoever is strongest on the day.

Despite the challenges and despite apparently promising to dress sensibly, Taufatofua once again stole the attention of the world’s press by striding into the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in the same uniform he wore at the summer Games in Rio.

Temperatures were -1C and it is open to question whether the coconut oil with which he slathered his upper body would have kept him warm.

Taufatofua is the only Tongan athlete competing in the south Korean Games.

He will represent Tonga in cross-country skiing, which begins tomorrow with a skiathlon.

Having previously competed in taekwondo in the Rio Games, he managed to qualify for the Winter Olympics by the skin of his teeth.

He has only been training for the sport for about a year and has been attempting to qualify on borrowed skis. In Australia he had practiced on grass, rather than snow.

After seven failed attempts in Europe, which saw him scrambling from country in search of a qualifying event, he finally managed to win a place at the Olympics in Japan on January 20.

He is only the second Tongan to compete in the Winter Olympics. Bruno Banani completed in the luge at Sochi.

Taufatofua is the first person to compete for Tonga at both the summer and winter Games.

Cross country

Canadian champion cross country skier Alex Harvey has described the sport as “gruelling,” that makes great demands on a competitor’s athletic ability.

Harvey, who has been training since he was 16,  said the keys to winning were athletic ability and the right equipment.

“It comes down to who is strongest on the day, mainly,” he said.

“There’s no substitute for training, and working hard.

“Your skis are also absolutely vital. You can blow a race because of bad equipment.”

The men’s cross country events at PyeongChang 2018 consists of the men’s skiathlon (February 11), individual sprint classic (February 13), 15km freestyle (February 16), 4 x 10km relay (February 18), team sprint freestyle (February 21) and the 50km mass start classic.

The main points

  • Tongan athlete Pita Taufatofua, who qualified for the Winter Olympics at the last minute after seven failed attempts, is facing a tough challenge in PyeongChang.
  • Taufatofua will be competing in the cross country where victory, according to one world champion, goes to whoever is strongest on the day.
  • Despite the challenges and despite apparently promising to dress sensibly, Taufatofua once again stole the attention of the world’s press by striding into the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in the same uniform he wore at the summer Games in Rio.

For more information 

Winter Olympics 2018: Pita Taufatofua appears topless at opening ceremony as Tonga’s only athlete in Pyeongchang

Alex Harvey’s guide to cross-country skiing at PyeongChang 2018

Hihifo murder accused in court

A magistrate has ordered Hateni Kaufusi to be transferred into the custody of Hu’atolitoli prison authorities as his case has been adjourned until February 15.

The 33-year-old was charged with murder after the body of Tolifili Tualau was found near a road between the towns of Fatai and Nukunuku on Sunday.

Kaufusi has made his first appearance in court yesterday February 8.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, a 32-year-old man has been arrested after a 27-year-old man was killed and his body was found near a road in Fatai on Sunday evening.

The victim had been stabbed and was declared dead on arrival at Vaiola hospital.

Police said the suspect and the deceased were drinking alcohol at a place in Te’ekiu before the fatal incident occurred.