Cyclone season

Fiji Meteorological Service predicts at least two to three cyclones will pass through the Exclusive Economic Zone this season.

FBC News reports the Minister for Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau said one or two of these cyclones is expected to be above category three or more.

The cyclone season in Fiji runs from November through to April every year.

A summary of the update TC outlook for Tonga said the next active period for the Southwest Pacific region including Tonga which indicates higher chances of TC formation is predicted to start in the last week of March until mid-April.

The summary was released by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) this week.

There is a 25% chance of at least one severe TC occurring between late March to mid-April.

The cyclone season began on Sunday, 1 November and will end on 30 April 2021.

A statement said historical records indicate that Tonga could expect at least 1 cyclone and at most 3 cyclones to occur with a moderate chance (60%) of at least 1 Severe Tropical Cyclone occurring.

Any tropical cyclones passing close to the country, associated active cloud and rain bands may occasionally affect Tonga with marked rainfall and possible flooding, including sea flooding of low‐lying coastal areas.

This means that there is a 75% chance of at least 2 cyclones to occur during the cyclone season.

Although historical records indicate there could be a low chance of severe tropical cyclones occurring this season, Tongans are being advised to expect the likelihood of at least one severe cyclone occurring due to climate variability brought about by global warning.

The Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company, which was established a year ago, is providing $US45 cover for Tonga, the Cook Islands, the Marshall Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu.

The company, which is owned by the Pacific Island countries, was established with the assistance of the World Bank.

During the pilot period of the scheme, in January 2014, Tonga was hit by severe (category five) Cyclone Ian.

A state of emergency was declared for Vava’u and Ha’apai.

More than 1000 buildings in Ha’apai were destroyed and 2000 people were left homeless.