Parliament reconvened today, with deliberations led by MEIDECC Minister Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi on the recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake and tsunami response.
Dr. Fusimalohi presented a situational report from the National Disaster Risk Management Office, housed under the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) detailing emergency responses immediately after the quake struck early this morning. Tsunami sirens were activated, and police and fire services were deployed.
Police managed traffic for orderly evacuations, while Queen Salote College students were relocated to Havelu. Residents of ‘Eua and Ha’apai moved to higher ground, and at least 20 families were taken to evacuation centers.
The Tonga Communication Corporation reported damage, but the extent remains unclear. Several aftershocks followed, including a 6.5 magnitude tremor close to 4.30am local time.
Dr. Fusimalohi commended emergency services for their swift coordination.
However, several MPs raised concerns over the response, including reports that some tsunami sirens were activated late and that fishermen were still pulling in their boats while sirens were active. Former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni also criticized the lack of direct updates to MPs, saying they had to call their constituencies for information instead of receiving official government reports.
No casualties have been reported, but authorities continue assessments and urge caution as aftershocks persist.
