A new AM transmitter has been commissioned for Tonga's state broadcaster in a move that is expected to strengthen disaster preparedness.
The CEO for the ministry responsible for disaster management, Paula Ma'u, said the new digital transmitter marks an important step towards the implementation of an enhanced and complete early warning system for the whole country.
The Tonga Broadcasting Commission's AM frequency is the only one accessible everywhere in Tonga.
Mr Ma'u said the service was the best medium to broadcast not only educational and informational content but also deliver 24 hour warnings and instructions during times of emergency.
He said the new AM service could even save lives in times of disasters.
The Broadcaster's underground connection from the station in Fasi to the transmitter in Popua was badly damaged during February's Cyclone Gita, forcing the state broadcaster to use a temporary frequency until now.
The new transmitter was funded by the World Bank Pacific Resillence Programme to the tune of $US440,000.
