Damage from rising seas in Kiribati

In the context of a warming Pacific the people of the islands like Kiribati have plenty of reasons to worry, especially if an el-Nino (which we thought we had escaped), eventuates later in the year.

Meanwhile countries are closing their borders against climate refugees

Kiribati prepares for more damaging waves

The national disaster management office in Kiribati says it expects damaging waves will become more frequent

Radio NZ,

3 March, 2015

The office is working to repair Betio Hospital after parts of it were destroyed by 2.9 metre tides about a week ago.

Its toilet block and maternity ward and temporary sewerage system, as well as part of a seawall built to protect the hospital, were damaged.

Big waves rendered disastrous damages to Betio Hospital in Kiribati, leaving it flooded with seawater and in a disarrayed state. Photo: Kiribati Ministry of Health

Michael Foon, who is with the national disaster management office, said they were working to build a higher wall before spring tides hit again.

"The sort of predictions that we have with waves reaching more than 2.9 metres, it's becoming more frequent. Last year there was only a few, but this year we're forecasting nine, and will probably see more in the future."

Mr Foon said the next spring tides were forecast to hit in a few weeks' time.

Listen to the full interview with Michael Foon on Dateline Pacific ( 3 min 36 esc )

Big waves rendered disastrous damages to Betio Hospital in Kiribati, leaving it flooded with seawater and in a disarrayed state.