The 176-island archipelago of Tonga is exposed to a range of natural hazards, including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunami, and volcanoes. Estimated annual losses from these hazards are on average equivalent to 4.4 percent of the GDP. In February 2018, Tropical Cyclone Gita affected almost 75 percent of Tonga’s population, which is equivalent to 80,000 people, and caused damages and losses of $164.1 million, equivalent to 37.8 percent of the country’s GDP. However, Tonga experiences less frequent disasters as compared to other Pacific Island Countries. (Source: GFDRR)
Projections for all emissions scenarios indicate that the annual average surface air temperature and sea-surface temperature will increase in the future in Tonga. There will be more very hot days and warm nights. The projections for future trends in rainfall are not clear but indicate a general decrease in dry season rainfall and an increase in wet season rainfall with an increase in extreme rainfall days. Tropical cyclones will be more intense but less frequent, while sea-level rise and ocean acidification will continue. (Source: GCCA)
As per Germanwatch, GLOBAL CLIMATE RISK INDEX 2020, Tonga ranks 38th in climate risk index for the period of 1989-2018.