Cyclone Isaac

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Severe Tropical Cyclone Isaac was a very strong storm that hit Tonga in early March 1982. It formed on February 27 near Tokelau, was named Isaac on March 1, and moved southwest toward Tonga, passing near American Samoa first and then turning toward the Ha’apai group.

Isaac intensified and reached its peak on March 2–3. It is described as a Category 4 storm, with very high winds (about 175 km/h with 10-minute measurements, and later analysis suggested up to 240 km/h for 1-minute winds). The storm also brought heavy rain and a dangerous storm surge.

The cyclone affected Tonga most seriously. Ha’apai and Vava’u were hit hardest, and Tongatapu, the main island group, experienced a sharp drop in air pressure and strong winds. Isaac is considered the worst storm in Tonga’s history. Six people died, around 45,000 people were left homeless, and about 95% of the livestock in the country died. The storm even carved a wide channel through Tatafa Island and knocked out Tonga’s only power station, plunging the nation into darkness. More than a tenth of schools were destroyed.

In the aftermath, Australia sent aid by air, including planes loaded with food, medical supplies, and engineers. An airlift was set up to help deliver relief. To replace destroyed schools, cyclone-proof, prefabricated buildings were built for the outer islands.