28 Jan 2009

Strong winds expected to cause crop dmage in Tonga

2:31 pm on 28 January 2009

The National Weather Forecasting Centre in Tonga warns people's supply of crops are likely to be affected by the storms hitting Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and 'Eua groups.

A Tropical Depression formed over Tonga which curved southwards last night and is expected to turn towards the southwest later today.

The Assistant Forecaster, Ofa Taumoefolau says gales of up to 160-kilometres have hit near the Island of Tofua while 285 kilometre winds were recorded near Vava'u this morning.

He expects staple crops will be damaged by the severe weather.

"PLAY AUDIO: TONGA DAMAGE TP"

Mainly the Cassava , tapioca and banana and the fruits like mango, pawpaw. I think that's the crop that's affected by the tropical depression.

Ofa Taumoefolau says people living near the sea need to be alert as he expects flooding to low-level areas could occur when fresh north to northwest winds hit the affected areas.