Tonga storms flood Aust high Commission
Tonga storms flood Aust high Commission
The Pacific island nation of Tonga has been hit by a freak storm which dumped more than a month's average rainfall in less than 24 hours.
Officials say buildings, including the Australian High Commission, and houses in the main city of Nuku'alofa were flooded after roads turned into rivers during the storm.
Climate scientists have called it an extreme event, with about 289 millimetres of rain falling in a seven-hour period yesterday evening, causing flash-flooding across the main island.
Australian High Commissioner Bruce Hunt says the backyard of the mission flooded and water seeped into the lower level of the immigration and consular offices.
More heavy rain is forecast.
abc
The Pacific island nation of Tonga has been hit by a freak storm which dumped more than a month's average rainfall in less than 24 hours.
Officials say buildings, including the Australian High Commission, and houses in the main city of Nuku'alofa were flooded after roads turned into rivers during the storm.
Climate scientists have called it an extreme event, with about 289 millimetres of rain falling in a seven-hour period yesterday evening, causing flash-flooding across the main island.
Australian High Commissioner Bruce Hunt says the backyard of the mission flooded and water seeped into the lower level of the immigration and consular offices.
More heavy rain is forecast.
abc
