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Tonatapu Tsunami Wave Inundation
Vodel presented to Cabinet and \atonal
Emergency Vanaement Committee
In March this year, Dr Michael Petterson of SPC presented the results of a Tongatapu tsunami wave inundation
model developed jointly by the Government of Tonga (Geoscience Service Unit of the Ministry of Lands,
Survey Climate Change and Environment), SPC and Geoscience Australia (GA) through the Pacific Public Sector
Leadership Program (PPSLP).
Dr Petterson advised that the model was made possible by the availability of good topographic and bathymetric
data. The tsunami model is based on a magnitude 9 earthquake originating from the centre of the Tonga
trench. It reveals that only four high points in Nuku'alofa would not be inundated if such an event occurred.
Cabinet and National Emergency Management Committee (NEMC) members have accepted the findings of the
model? Further, the model also reveals that the eastern coast of Tongatapu will receive the first impact of the
wave due to the Piha passage.
In acknowledging the presentation, the Hon Prime Minister Lord Tuivakanó indicated that the Government
of Tonga will need support to construct access ways to some parts of Nuku'alofa so that the local community
can quickly evacuate in the future.
to GA and SPC for the model, noting that it will provide
valuable information for tsunami preparedness and
long term planning for the Nuku'alofa Central Business
District. The community is keen to see the evacuation
route so that evacuation planning and simulations can
be organised.
The Tonga Geographical Information System (GIS)
Team through Mr Richard Kautoke is
leading the
development of the tsunami evacuation map which
will be further strengthened by GA, SOPAC Division
and New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence and
Emergency Management later in the year.
Evident wind damage
SPC '
CPS
SACRUAIIIAT OF TN PACIFIC COMMUNITY
4.11111ff 8.111141% LICONIKIANIM
1.10/4.