Tonga urged to save water ahead of cyclone season

The Tonga Red Cross society is urging people to save water as the drought ridden kingdom nears the cyclone season.

Low rainfall is expected for Tonga for at least three months as a severe El Nino strengthens its grip on the region.

Tonga has had extremely dry weather for nearly a year with shipments of water necessary for Ha'apai and Vava'u islands.

The general secretary of the Tonga Red Cross, Sione Taumoefolau, says people need to collect as much water as possible as a precaution.

"Water is very sensitive for us because the water will be our animal's livelihood and also our food production. You know the impact if there's not enough water, the whole consumption here will be demanding so that's what we're looking for, to make sure we have enough water."

Sione Taumoefolau says rain is normally scarce from October through to December and people need to be prepared for a potential water shortage.