Nuku’alofa, Tonga - February 16, 2024 - The Department of Communications, Ministry of MEIDECC, successfully conducted a drone exercise as part of the Emergency Telecom Cluster preparedness activities on the 16th of February 2024 at the ‘Apifo’ou College rugby field. The exercise showcased the capabilities of utilizing drones for emergency response and telecommunications support in disaster situations.

The drone pilot for this exercise was Mr. Pomaama Liu, an ETC technician, who demonstrated exceptional skills and precision in manoeuvring the drone to simulate various emergency scenarios. The exercise highlighted the importance of incorporating drone technology into disaster preparedness and response strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in communication and data gathering during emergencies.

Director, ‘Alifeleti Tuíhalamaka of the Department of Communications commented, “The drone exercise at ‘Apifo’ou College rugby field served as a practical demonstration of how drones can be utilized to support emergency telecommunications operations, showcasing their ability to quickly deploy communication equipment, assess damage from a bird’s eye view, and facilitate coordination among response teams’’.

Mr. Tuíhalamaka also expressed the Ministry’s gratitude to Äpifoóu College for availing the compound for this exercise.

For more information on the drone exercise and Emergency Telecom Cluster preparedness activities, please contact the Director, Mr. Alifeleti Tuíhalamaka, Department of Communications, Ministry of MEIDECC.

Contact Information: Email – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Office number – 20 130