The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) has announced Tonga’s official membership in Sentinel Asia as of September 19th.
This milestone makes Tonga the second Pacific Joint Project Team (JPT) member, alongside the SPC and Fiji’s NDMO, improving Tonga’s access to critical satellite technology for disaster management.
Sentinel Asia, founded by the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) in 2005, leverages earth observation tools and Web-GIS mapping to improve disaster readiness across the region.
This partnership will provide Tonga with direct access to satellite imagery for both pre- and post-disaster assessments, enabling faster and more precise damage evaluations and response measures.

“This collaboration empowers us to make rapid, informed decisions in emergencies,” stated an NDRMO spokesperson, emphasizing how this technology will significantly strengthen Tonga’s disaster resilience.
Representing Tonga at the 9th Joint Project Meeting in the Philippines, GIS Officer ‘Ofa Masiwawa joined 135 participants from 30 countries to discuss advancements in satellite technology for disaster resilience.
Her presentation underscored Tonga’s progress in disaster response and the crucial role of satellite imagery analysis in resilience-building for the Kingdom.
This membership marks a major step forward in Tonga’s disaster response capabilities, enhancing community safety and strengthening resilience to natural hazards.