Tonga's Minister of Meteorology Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu said the installation of the radar will save lives. Photo: Supplied
A new weather radar installed at the at Fua'amotu Airport is expected to empower Tonga to issue crucial early warnings, reducing the impact of severe weather on vulnerable communities.
The NZ$4 million weather radar, funded by the New Zealand government, was launched by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and NZ Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters late last month.
Tonga's Minister of Meteorology Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu said the installation of the radar will save lives.
"Technology investments are a part of our fight against [natural] disasters, and this new radar system does provide us with the critical data that is needed to anticipate and respond and to ensure that we do save people's lives," she said.
Schools in the Kingdom will greatly benefit from the early warning system, according to the principal of St Andrews School.
Losana Latu said the new radar gives staff more confidence they will have enough notice to safely evacuate students in time during natural disasters.
She said having early notice will reduce panic amongst students and staff, allowing them to better respond during emergencies.
"As the principal of the school it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of the children and staff of my school.
"We have to make sure during any disaster, no child is left behind."
'Utoikamanu said children were Tonga's "most valued possessions" and the government's investment in their education resilience is very important.
The project is a pilot, part of a $20 million Weather Ready Pacific Program, which is aimed at strengthening the Pacific's ability to prepare for extreme weather events.
Peters said the radar represents a major step in their commitment to Pacific Island nations.
"We're delighted to be here for the commissioning of this valuable new installation following the announcement of funding for this work when we visited in February.
"The radar will provide Tonga with the ability to give communities critical early warnings and mitigate the impacts of high-risk weather."
The New Zealand MetService also provided construction and training support.
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) director general Sefanaia Nawadra said the radar was just the first step of the rollout of the Weather Ready Pacific Program across the entire region.
"Through this initiative, I'd like to assure you of the commitment of the region to implement early warning systems for all, so no one is left behind," he said.
"So that we are better ready for all the weather impacts we will continue to experience."