Weather Ready Pacific brings life saving connectivity to vulnerable communities in ʻEua

17 May 2026, 'Eua – The Tonga Meteorological Service is installing Starlink satellite internet systems at strategic community centres and the Meteorology Office on the island of ʿEua, as part of the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme’s support to Pacific National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). The installations, happening in May, are designed to strengthen weather forecasting and early warning services for village communities, ensuring that life-saving information reaches the people who need it most. 

The work in ʿEua forms part of a wider regional effort by WRP to bring reliable satellite connectivity to Pacific NMHSs. Similar support has already been delivered to Niue, Solomon Islands , and Vanuatu, with support underway for satellite units to be installed in Kiribati and Nauru. Director of Tonga Meteorological Services, Mr Laitia Fifita, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan, the World Bank, and Weather Ready Pacific Programme and its partners for their continued support in strengthening Tonga’s resilience. 

“For the first time, our Meteorology officers on ʻEua have access to reliable and fast internet connectivity that will allow more timely forecasting and early warning services to be provided to the community,” he said.  “At the same time, communities are now better connected and able to access the information we send out. We are grateful to all our partners for supporting Tonga’s efforts to ensure no community is left behind when it comes to early warning and disaster preparedness.” 

The ‘Eua satellite Units were installed at the following sites: the ‘Eua Government Representative Office, Mango Community Hall, ‘Ohonua Community Hall, Sainai Prison Facility and the Angaha Police and Fire Station. These installations are part of the wider government of Tonga’s plans to have satellite communications access for all its communities in order to strengthen communication, information sharing and access, particularly to life saving early warning information. Tonga is continuing to strengthen its disaster preparedness and early warning systems following several severe disasters in recent years, such as the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, earthquake and tsunami that claimed the lives of four people in Tonga.  With support from partners including the Government of Japan and the World Bank, the Government of Tonga has invested in a range of communication systems to ensure communities receive timely warnings before disasters strike. These efforts include the installation of siren systems across the country, television weather broadcasting, and cell broadcasting technology designed to reach “last-mile communities”- the term in used in Meteorology Services to describe the most remote communities.  

The latest step under WRP is the rollout of Starlink satellite connectivity for communities like those in ʻEua, helping to improve internet access and strengthen communication redundancies during emergencies. The new system will support Tonga Meteorology Service officers in delivering faster and more reliable forecasts and early warnings, while also helping communities access critical weather information when they need it most. The programme in ʿEua continues this in May, where the team will carry out maintenance on the Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at Kaufana Airport including the installation of additional Starlink systems.

 A workshop and community awareness programme are also planned during the week with village and district officers, alongside other key stakeholders. “What we are doing in ʻEua is part of something much bigger,” said Mr ‘Ofa Fa’anunu, WRP Programme Manager. “Across the Pacific, in Niue, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and now Tonga, we are connecting communities to the weather information they need to stay safe. Starlink is not just a technological solution; it is a bridge between our NMHSs and the last-mile communities who are most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather.” “Seeing the Tonga Meteorological Service team on the ground in Éua, installing systems and planning awareness workshops with village officers, is exactly what this programme is about. 

Pacific-led, community-focused solutions that are built to last. And what stands out the most for me is seeing the support provided to the Mango community on ‘Eua who were displaced by the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai tsunami which led to their displacement and relocation from Ha’apai to ‘Eua. It is great to see Weather Ready Pacific really starting to support vulnerable communities.” The Tonga Meteorological Service team carrying out the work is led by Mr Taniela Takeifaga, with support from Met Officers Mr Sitani Uatahausi, Mr Neniasi Havea, Mr Inoke Kaufusi, and Mr Isitolo Siale. About Weather Ready Pacific The Weather Ready Pacific Programme is a decadal programme of investment managed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), endorsed by Pacific Leaders, aimed at strengthening hydrometeorological services across Pacific countries and territories. 

WRP is committed to Pacific-led, inclusive, and transformative approaches to weather and disaster resilience. Financial support is provided by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) of the United Kingdom. For more information, contact WRP Programme Manager, ʻOfa Faʻanunu: [email protected]  or the Communications and Knowledge Management Officer, Angelica Salele-Sefo: [email protected]   

Photos: Tonga Met Service