An upgrade to Tonga’s Seismic Network will cover five strategically positioned stations at Nukuhetulu, Tongatapu; Mt Talau Vava’u; Hihifo, Ha’apai; Niuafo’ou High School, Niuafo’ou; and Hihifo. Niuatoputapu, where upgrades to infrastructure will help to better monitor and detect earthquakes. The work is being funded by the World Bank through the Pacific Resilience Programme (PREP).
The Natural Resources Division of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) is collaborating with Tonga Meteorology (MEIDECC).
Existing seismic stations will be upgraded to improve their functionality and reliability, “ensuring more accurate and efficient earthquake-related data collection,” MLNR stated.
Tonga is located in one of the most seismically active regions in the world.