Government has commissioned a new $15 million weather and disaster management centre in Matatoa, Tongatapu, bringing the country’s national meteorological forecasting, emergency communications and early warning services under one facility.
His Majesty King Tupou VI commissioned the Tonga Meteorological Services (TMS) and National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) Centre yesterday, marking the completion of the third and final facility under the Pacific Resilience Program (PREP).
Image: TBC
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, who is also Minister for MEIDECC, said the centre would strengthen Tonga’s ability to prepare for and respond to natural hazards and the impacts of climate change.
The 1,569.5-square-metre facility was built at a construction cost of TOP$11.64 million, with specialised equipment valued at approximately TOP$3.38 million. The project was co-funded by the World Bank and the Government of Tonga and implemented by MEIDECC in collaboration with other government agencies.
Construction began in 2023 and was completed in October 2025.
The centre will serve as Tonga’s national hub for monitoring, forecasting, emergency communications and the dissemination of early warnings for hydrometeorological, ocean and geological hazards.
The facility follows the completion of similar centres in Ha’apai and Vava’u under the Pacific Resilience Program, strengthening disaster preparedness infrastructure across the country.
Lord Fakafanua said the centre reflected a long-standing government priority to improve meteorological forecasting through investment in infrastructure, human resources and capacity building.
He also recalled King Tupou VI’s call in 2003, when he was Prime Minister, to further develop Tonga’s meteorological capabilities.
The Prime Minister said the centre represented a commitment to protecting present and future generations through improved preparedness and early warning systems.
The Government has not detailed any new operational arrangements or changes to public warning services following the commissioning.
