January 1, 2020: Tropical Cyclone Sarai caused minor damage on Tonga's main island, Tongatapu, with flooding in areas with poor drainage and damages to the trees.
According to Mafua Maka, Director of National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), Tropical Cyclone Sarai damaged the banana and hoppa trees and causes the falling of power lines, particularly around Hihifo.
Tropical Cyclone Sarai has now been downgraded to a low pressure system as it moves Southeast. The Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Center was officially deactivated at 12pm today.
At 10 am morning today, Tropical Cyclone Sarai was located about 380km East-Southeast of Pangai, Ha’apai, 400km South-east of Neiafu, Vava’u, 430km East of ‘Ohonua, ‘Eua, 450km East of Nuku’alofa and about 600-700km Southeast of the Niuas.
However, a strong wind warning remains in-force for the Niuas, Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Tele-ki-Tonga and Tokelau land areas and coastal waters.