Ofa Fa’anunu

Fa’anunu will serve on the global body for another four years.

He was unanimously elected during the 18th Session of the WMO Region V that was held virtually from September 1-3.

Fa’anunu was first elected President at the 17th Session of WMO Region V held in 2018.

He was Vice President of the Region from 2010-2018 before the appointment.

Region V encompasses the largest area of the planet which WMO looks after in the field of meteorology and hydrology with the 24 member countries and territories.

At a press conference this week, the PMC Chair, Ofa Fa’anunu was asked why vulnerable groups had been overlooked on the programme.

“That is a good question. Gender is an important issue being raised here and one of the members should have raised it.”

Fa'anunu, who is also director of the Tonga Meteorology Services, said his country was aware of the high fatalities of vulnerable people during disasters.

When the MV Princess Ashika ferry sank in August 2009, all 54 survivors were men, 74 women and children died.