New weather radar installed at Fuaamotu Airport to help Tonga’s natural environment

A new state-of-the-art weather radar was installed at Fuaamotu Airport yesterday, marking a major milestone in Tonga’s efforts to strengthen its meteorological monitoring and forecasting capabilities.

Officially launched today by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the radar is the first of its kind in the Pacific and marks a significant step forward for Tonga in its ability to predict and respond to severe weather events.

Tonga, the country second most affected by natural disasters in the world, will benefit greatly from this cutting-edge technology. The new radar system will enable the Tonga Meteorological Service to provide early warnings to communities, helping to mitigate the impact of extreme weather such as heavy rains, thunderstorms and tropical cyclones.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters stressed the importance of radar in safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the Tongan people. “This radar technology will enable the Tonga Meteorological Service to provide critical early warnings to communities and reduce the devastating impacts of high-risk weather events,” he said.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also highlighted the wider implications of this development, noting its importance for climate resilience in the Pacific region. “This radar is not just a tool for Tonga, but a beacon of hope for all vulnerable countries facing the growing threat of climate change,” he said.

As climate change continues to pose significant risks, this technological advancement will play a critical role in protecting Tongan communities and ensuring a more secure future.