The Department of Communication, Ministry of MEIDECC, has announced a testing exercise of the National Early Warning Systems for Tonga this Friday midday.
The testing exercise comes just as the 2024/2025 Tropical Cyclone Season begins on November 1, running until April 30, 2025.
This test will cover Tongatapu, Éua, Haápai, Vavaú, and Niua Toputapu, with clear messaging indicating “This is a test” broadcasted through sirens and Remote Activated Receiver (RAR) Radio.
Mafua Maka, Director of the Director of the National Disaster Risk Management Office, said these sirens are important to alert communities on time.
The siren sound resembles an air raid alert, gradually peaking before stopping, helping residents become familiar with the alert system and make necessary preparations.
The Tonga Meteorological Services predicts one to two tropical cyclones, with a moderate to high chance (over 50%) of at least one severe tropical cyclone.
Current models indicate that cyclone activity is more likely to occur from January to March, particularly in February.
This exercise is part of the efforts to improve preparedness and ensure community awareness ahead of the cyclone season.
