Tonga: High tempo period for maritime element likely to continue into 2027

Beginning 31 July, personnel and a vessel of His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) were involved in distributing water in the Lulunga island group. The operation was to support the Tongan National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) in response to water shortages at the early onset of El Niño, with Tongan authorities planning for further water operations in other island groups. Separately, on 13 August, HMAF were activated to transport an Emergency Medical Response Team from Nuku'alofa to 'Eua, with the VOEA Ngahau Siliva departing 90 minutes after activation and reaching the island a further 90 minutes later.

Assessment: HMAF and its maritime element responded swiftly and professionally to recent domestic emergency responses. With authorities on 19 August upgrading three island groups to a "Drought Declaration," and a further two island groups expected to be elevated to a Declaration in September and October, HMAF vessels are highly likely to maintain a high operational tempo through to April 2027. Equipment maintenance is likely to become an increasing issue.

Sources: Tonga NDRMO, “Emergency Water Response Across Lulunga - Day 2,” Facebook, 31 July 2026; Tonga NDRMO, “NDRMO and HMAF Continue Emergency Water Response Across Lulunga,” Facebook, 30 July 2026;  “Tonga drought declarations expand as El Niño brings very dry outlook,” Talanoa O’ Tonga republished in PACNEWS, 20 August 2026; Talanoa ‘o Tonga, “Navy rushes medical team to ‘Eua in overnight emergency”, August 2026.