Storms and tidal waves wreaked havoc on island nations in the South Pacific on Wednesday, with rising seas blamed on climate change for the devastation.
Flooding was reported in the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia, with reports of flooding in remote portions of Vanuatu.
“As a result of continued king tides and storm surges, the administration of the Federated States of Micronesia has been made aware of considerable saltwater inundation across the nation’s islands,” President David Panuelo stated in a statement.
“The government has received a number of requests for assistance from citizens.”
Seawater rushed over boulder barriers at the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro, covering sections of the road to the airport to a depth of 50 centimeters (20 inches) before receding.
Residents in the Solomon Islands have been advised to avoid overflowing rivers and streams.
Flooding in the Marshall Islands was caused by a mix of terrible weather, high tides, a La Nina weather pattern, and a long-term rise in sea levels, according to climate researcher Murray Ford.
