28 Feb 2019

Tongans urged to remain vigilant with Cyclone Pola still lurking in the region

3:01 pm on 28 February 2019

With Tropical Cyclone Pola still lurking in the region, Tongans are being urged to take precautions, although there's little sign of damage in the kingdom so far.

The cyclone which has now intensified into a category four system is moving south south-west away from Tongatapu, but still bringing heavy rain, gale force winds and large swells.

Cyclone Pola intensifies to Category 4 as it moves away from Tonga.

Cyclone Pola intensifies to Category 4 as it moves away from Tonga. Photo: Fiji metservice

Tonga National Emergency Management Office director, Mafua Maka, said there are no reports of any damages so far.

But he said people should keep an eye out for downed power lines and watch over their kids, who are being kept home from schools across the country today.

"We are still advising the public to take extra precautions, especially driving around during the day time and also people around the smaller islands to the South, Hapai group, to be more [precautionary when] using small boats," Mafua Maka said.