The Tonga Meteorological Service has declared drought across all major islands that make up the kingdom, including Tongatapu, Niuatoputapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua.
Niuafo’ou, a remote northern island, is still on a drought warning, while Vava’u, in the central division, is on a drought alert.
Tonga Metservice chief climate officer Seluvaia Ilolahia told RNZ Pacific the kingdom is experiencing serious drought conditions.
She said the government is working with stakeholders to ensure communities receive vital information and access the support they need.
“The National Disaster Office, we work very close, and they are also very close to other organisations, for example the work Red Cross and other NGOs especially when it comes to responding to the needs of the community. And the also reach out to the islands when they are distributing water.”
She said there has been some rain in Vava’u but in other areas it’s been below average.
The metservice is also reminding people that the impacts of El Niño may continue even after the event has ended.
Ilolahia said warnings will be in place for the next three months.
“El Niño is still very strong and, like the forecast, it’s probably going to peak around November to December.
“But what we want to stress to the community and people to understand are that the impacts might come later, even after the event, we will still feel it.”
Seluvaia Ilolahia said the public is responding very seriously to the warnings being given out.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are forecast to increase to record levels during October-November-December 2026, reflecting the strengthening of the El Niño event which will drive weather patterns and impact economies, ecosystems and communities across the globe.
El Niño is already causing disruption and devastation from droughts and floods in various parts of the world.
The monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update from the WMO said that El Niño will continue to intensify ahead of its forecast peak in December.
It is likely to bring above-average temperatures to much of the globe and shift rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of drought and floods in different regions.
