Members of the public were concerned after an image posted on Facebook shows Tongan youths swimming at high seas brought by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
The photo was posted by a local who said the activity was spotted at a pier in Nuku’alofa waterfront.
Tonga’s MetServices report at 7.10am this morning said Tropical Cyclone Winston Category 2 was located 290km west of Nuku’alofa at 4:00am.
The cyclone is moving Northeast on its current track,
The cyclone is expected to lie 260km Northwest of Nuku’alofa or 150km West-Northwest of Kao at about 1:00pm
This afternoon near its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have an average winds speed of 95km/hr(50kts) with momentary gust of 130km/hr(70kts).
“What’s wrong with our people? Cyclone warning category 2 cyclone Winston and people are at the wharf hoooooooooooooooi”, Kauvaka asked of those swimmers.
The photo prompted a raft of comments from concerned Tongans who said there was also a possibility for a tsunami after the 5.7 magnitude quake rattled the kingdom this morning. There was no officla tsunami alert after the earthquake.
“What happened if a tsunami hit right now, hooooi,” a woman wrote.
“Manie pe koe oo atu o tulihopo he hako naa mole ha moui masii koe atamai ia ene kovi” , another woman wrote saying these people swimming in high seas are dump as they are at risk of losing their lives.
Met Service said a storm warning is now inforce for Vavau.
A gale warning remains in force for Haapai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua and is now in force for the two Niuas.
A heavy damaging swells remain inforce for all Tonga coastal waters.
Seini Kauvaka who posted the photo to Facebook was concerned for the safety of swimmers.