Tonga Met Services call on support from Tongan communities

By Sini Latu, Tonga Broadcasting Commission:  http://www.tonga-broadcasting.net

Right - 'Ofa Fa'anunu, Director, Tonga Met Service 

2 July 2013, Nadi, Fiji  One of the many challenges that the Tonga Meteorological Services is a lack of resources and qualified staff.

The Director for the Tonga Meteorological Service, Ofa Fa’anunu says the Met Service only comes to people’s attention when there is a cyclone or a natural disaster.

Fa’anunu who is the vice-president for World Meteorological Organization Regional Association Five says they need to get their services and weather related information out to the public.

He called on related sectors namely the media, communication companies and Non-Government Organisations for their help, while stressing the need for the dissemination of accurate information.

Tonga Meteorological Services has 26 staff – including Fa’anunu.
They operate and issue weather information in Tonga’s Met offices located at the airport zones of Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai and the 2 Niua’s.