THE KINGDOM OF TONGA
NATIONAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICE
NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE
SITUATION REPORT
Event: TD 09F
Sit Rep No: 01
Date: 23rd February, 2025
Period: 22/02/25, 1600 Hrs – 23/02/25, 1000 Hrs
The situation report issued by the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) aims to inform operational partners about the status of Tropical Disturbance 09F, raise public awareness, and support both preparedness and response efforts should the system intensify further.
Highlights
- Fua‘amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (FTCWC) was activated 22nd February at 1300 hrs.
- The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in standby mode was also activated 22nd February at 1600 hrs.
- All Island NEOC was also activated in standby mode 22nd February at 1600 hrs.
- Communications with the islands of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou are the main areas of interest impact of the TD09F.
Background
The Tonga Meteorological Services issued the activation of the FTCWC on 22nd February, 2025 at 1300 hrs due to Tropical Disturbance (TD) 09F. The latest current update 0700 hrs this morning it was located near latitude 13.6 South and longitude 177.9 West, or about 325 km northwest of ‘Esia (Niuafo’ou), or 515km west northwest of Hihifo (Niuatoputapu), or 700km northwest of Neiafu (Vava’u), or 785km north-northwest of Pangai (Haapai), or 885km north-northwest of Nukualofa (Tongatapu), or 920km north-northwest of Ohonua (Eua) at 4am this morning. The system is currently moving west at the speed of 6 knots. Associated clouds, occasional heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong to gale force winds will affect the Niuas in the next 6 – 12 hours.
Current Situation
1. Situation Overview
1.1 National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC)
- The NEOC issued a notification regarding the activation of the IEOC on standby mode via email on 22nd January 2025 at 1600 hrs.
- NDRMO staff commenced eight-hour shifts, with designated officers assigned to monitor and disseminate public awareness.
- Public awareness efforts are being consistently maintained across social media and other communication channels.
- Direct check-in calls to local government authorities are being conducted to support the dissemination of precautionary preparedness measures.
1.2 Baseline Support to NEOC for Area of Interest (AOI) of TD09F
1.3 Report from the Islands
As of 0700 hours this morning, the NEOC team successfully established contact with all island EOC focal points, confirming that all communication channels are operational. The situation reports for the following islands are as follows:
| Island | OIC Focal Point | Contact | Current Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niuatoputapu | Mikaele Fuimaono | 7716629 | Strong winds and heavy In general, the area is experiencing strong winds and heavy rain. However, communities are coping well, with no concerning reports so far. He also confirms that all communities have been advised to prepare and evacuate if necessary, particularly those along the coastline. |
| Niuafo’ou | Sione Fuimaono | 7581683 | Sione reports similar conditions to those in Niuatoputapu, with heavy rain and strong winds. However, communities were informed yesterday and are coping well. There are no concerns at this time |
| Vava’u | Lucy Fa’anunu | 7512757 | Lucy reports favorable weather conditions this morning, with observed sunshine and dry conditions. However, all community, district, and town officers have been informed of the forecast for the next 24–48 hours, as Tropical Disturbance 09F is expected to slowly move toward Vava’u this evening. |
| Ha’apai | Siniua Vailala | 7799990 | ‘Apaiata reports on behalf of Siniua this morning, highlighting experienced strong winds. However, all communities within the island group have been informed about the system’s gradual impact. No concerning reports have been received from Ha’apai. |
| ‘Eua | Siale Tahaafe | 7737525 | Siale also reports favorable conditions on the island this morning, with clear skies, sunshine, and calm winds. Communities have been informed, and no concerns have been reported so far. |
Clusters
The Clusters were on standby for any immediate response.
| Name of Clusters | State of Activation | |
| 1 | Logistics Cluster | Not Activated |
| 2 | Shelter Cluster | Not Activated |
| 3 | HNWASH Cluster | Not Activated |
| 4 | Safety & Protection Cluster | Not Activated |
| 5 | Food Security & Livelihood Cluster | Not Activated |
| 6 | Essential Services Cluster | Not Activated |
| 7 | Education Cluster | Not Activated |
| 8 | Telecommunication Cluster | Not Activated |
| 9 | Economic & Social Recovery Cluster | Not Activated |
| 10 | Reconstruction Cluster | Not Activated |
| 11 | Displacement & Evacuation Centre Cluster | Not Activated |
Evacuation Centers
No evacuation centers have been activated as of this reporting period.
Further Updates
The next Sitrep will be issued at 1000 hrs (10:00 AM) tomorrow or earlier if new information becomes available. However, if the system escalates to Category 1, as advised by the FTCWC at 0700 hrs this morning, updates will be provided more frequently in accordance with protocol.
~END~