Latest news in Tonga? September 17th, 2026
17-09-2026
Key news and developments reported in and around Tonga as of September 17, 2026:
Netball World Cup 2027 Qualification: The Tonga Tala national netball team secured qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney after defeating the Fiji Pearls 72–60 on home soil during the Oceania Qualifiers.
FBC NewsSeismic Activity: Two moderate offshore magnitude 5.3 earthquakes were recorded in the Tonga region by international seismological agencies, with no immediate damage or tsunami threats reported.
Volcano DiscoveryHigher Education & Legal Sector: Senior judges voiced official support for plans to establish a dedicated law school at Tonga National University (TNU) to build local legal capacity.
talanoaotonga.toRegional Development: Tonga and the Pacific Community (SPC) reaffirmed their strategic partnership to advance national development priorities and disaster risk management.
talanoaotonga.toVolcanic Research: New findings published from international research teams revealed that the plume from the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption produced atmospheric chlorine reactions that helped break down methane, offering new insights into natural atmospheric chemistry.
ScienceDaily