A state of emergency was declared for Ha’apai and Vava’u in Tonga after torrential rains pounded the region. Air traffic in Tonga remained disrupted as several domestic flights were cancelled. Many residents in the affected areas remained without power as damaging winds and heavy rains continued to threaten several areas in Tonga.
The region observed widespread damage due to the cyclone. Strong winds toppled telephone lines and destroyed the roofs of the houses.
After battering Tonga, the cyclone moved towards the Fiji Islands. However, no significant damage was reported in Fiji as the storm passed through. The archipelago reported no casualties and no structural damage was also reported.
However, both Fiji and Tonga, which have been drought affected due to the El Nino 2015 welcomed the rain. Before the cyclone, Tonga remained practically dry during the wettest time of the year.
Currently, Cyclone Ula is moving away from Fiji in the southwestward direction. However, the storm could curve back to the Fiji Islands and may also undergo some intensification. This time the cyclone will not be much of a threat to the islands. Fiji’s largest island Viti Levu is likely to receive some rain during this time which will in turn be beneficial for the drought hit Fiji.
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