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Falling trees and downed power poles hinder relief effort, says Minister

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan government’s efforts to assess the extent of destruction by tropical cyclone Gita had been hindered by falling trees and downed power poles.

The Minister of Disaster Management, Hon. Poasi Tei, said teams of government assessors had been dispatched to villages and towns to report on damage caused by the category four cyclone.

However, they could not start their work immediately because the roads were blocked by debris and downed powerlines.

It is expected the assessment would be completed by tomorrow, Hon. Tei told Kaniva News.

As we reported this afternoon, New Zealand and Australia sent two aircraft carrying aid to Tonga.

Hon Tei said he was thankful for the New Zealand and Australia’s assistance so far.

Meanwhile a 72-year-old man from Fua’amotu died suddenly in hospital while three people were seriously injured and 30 were admitted to hospital with minor injuries, Hon. Tei said.

Police Minister Māteni Tapueluelu said his ministerial office and some other police offices had been flooded.

He said many school buildings had their roofs ripped off when Cyclone Gita struck.

Hon. Tapueluelu said this afternoon attempts to get information from ‘Eua in the wake of Gita had been failed because telephones and internet were down.

Another aircraft from New Zealand will fly to Tonga to conduct a surveillance survey in ‘Eua.

He said Police were trying to make contacts with the island from Nakolo in Hahake because of their closeness but he has yet to be updated in it.

It has been estimated about 5700 people sought shelter in evacuation centres overnight, and it is expected these numbers will increase substantially tonight.

About 80,000 people in Tonga, including 32,000 children, were at risk from Cyclone Gita,  Unicef said.

The main points

  • The Tongan government’s efforts to assess the extent of destruction by tropical cyclone Gita had been hindered by falling trees and downed power poles.
  • The Minister of Disaster Management, Hon. Poasi Tei, said teams of government assessors had been dispatched to villages and towns to report on damage caused by the category five cyclone.
  • However, they could not start their work immediately because the roads were blocked by debris and downed powerlines.

For more information

Tonga welcomes New Zealand $750,000 donation as Gita leaves path of destruction

NZ and Australian aircraft heading to Tonga with assistance; Commercial flights cancelled

By
Kalino Latu
-

The New Zealand aircraft RNZAF C130 Hercules and an Australian Orion aircraft carrying emergency relief supplies have departed for Tonga this afternoon.

Disaster Management Minister Poasi Tei said the Australian aircraft was heading to Tonga to help with the Tropical Cyclone Gita’s relief effort.

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the Hercules was carrying family hygiene kits, shelter kits, jerry cans, and tarpaulins.

Following a request from the Tongan Government, Australia has deployed $350,000 in life-saving equipment including emergency shelter, kitchen and hygiene kits to assist over 2,000 people in need, Australian Foreign Minister Hon. Julie Bishop said.

Australia has released humanitarian supplies, including tarpaulins and water purification tablets, through the Tongan Red Cross.

The Australian Defence Force will conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, as part of the broader whole of government effort to support the Government of Tonga.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster will deliver much needed emergency relief supplies to Tonga this evening. The ADF is also ready to assist with debris removal, water, sanitation and distribution of emergency supplies on request from the Government of Tonga.

To further assist in the response, two civilian humanitarian specialists have been deployed at this stage, in addition to an Australian-funded humanitarian specialist already working with Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office.

An Australian medical expert is working with New Zealand specialists and Tongan authorities to assess health services in affected areas.

“The full extent of damage caused by Cyclone Gita is still being assessed but there is an immediate need for assistance on the ground,” Mr Peters says.

“Initial assessments indicate there has been extensive damage to homes in Nuku’alofa and some damage to commercial buildings,” he says.

“About 5,700 people sought shelter in evacuation centres overnight, and it is expected these numbers will increase substantially tonight.”

The NZ plane has carried a government team to support the New Zealand High Commission assess emergency needs and respond to requests from the Government of Tonga.

Australian officials are travelling to Tonga to help provide assistance to Australians affected by the disaster. All Australians in Tonga are advised to remain indoors and follow the instructions of local authorities. At the time of issue, DFAT had not received any requests for consular assistance.

Flight cancellations

At this stage Fua‘amotu International Airport runway in Tongatapu is open to emergency supply aircraft only.

A visual inspection of the international airport has shown the runway to be intact with minimal damage.

New Zealand is coordinating the international relief response alongside other countries including Australia.

All flights to Tonga through Auckland International Airport had been cancelled this afternoon.

For further information

Tonga welcomes New Zealand $750,000 donation as Gita leaves path of destruction

Tonga welcomes New Zealand $750,000 donation as Gita leaves path of destruction

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan government has welcomed New Zealand’s offer to donate $750,000 and personnel assistance in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Gita.

The New Zealand Government has a military plane with assistance ready to go once it was safe to land it in Tonga.

Tonga’s Minister of Police Māteni Tapueluelu has told Kaniva News in Auckland the government of Jacinda Ardern had indicated yesterday before cyclone Gita struck the kingdom last night that it stood by and was prepared.

Tapueluelu said the Tongan government was in the process of fulfilling procedural requirements before it can receive the donation and all assistance.

New Zealand Minister for Pacific People Aupito William Sio said last night while New Zealand was on standby mode ready to provide support to all Pacific countries affected  by Cyclone Gita, “it will not respond unless requested by the affected Pacific government.”

Prime Minister Arden said the New Zealand Government has a military plane and $750,000 ready to help cyclone-battered Tonga, Fairfax media reported.

The New Zealand Government had already pledged $50,000 to help but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told RNZ on Tuesday morning a contingency fund had been signed off that outstrips that, so there was “no hold up” when they knew where to use the funds.

The aftermath

This morning in Tongatapu after cyclone Gita. Photo/Courtesy of John Nicholas Pulu, Tangata Pasifika

Tonga’s main island Tongatapu and its island of ‘Eua were besieged by the category 4 tropical cyclone last night in what has been called the worst storm to hit the country in 60 years, with gusts of up to 278kmh.

Tongatapu and ‘Eua residents woke this morning to what ‘looks like a war zone’ and are assessing the extensive damage left behind by destructive Cyclone Gita, with emergency services fearing there will be ‘more injuries if not deaths’.

New Zealand media said two deaths had been confirmed.

Gita brought  gale-force wind gusts of up to 200km/h, record breaking rainfall of more than 200mm in an hour, and surging tides threatening widespread floods.

Cyclone Gita’s ‘destructive core’ battered the east coast, stripping palm trees bare, destroying businesses, churches, schools and leaving homes in ruins.

Devastating photos show buildings in Hihifo and Hahake areas of Tongatapu with roofs ripped off and homes inundated with water.

The Tonga Parliament house was levelled and school buildings in Apifo’ou college had been ripped off.

Tonga under curfew as it braces for cyclone Gita

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

State of emergency declared as Cyclone Gita bears down on Tonga

By
Philip Cass
-

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

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.

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