King tide hits villages, leaders appeal for assistance

NABUAPAKA villagers in Kairuku-Hiri, Central, have called on their provincial government for assistance after king tides and strong winds destroyed several structures, including a church and homes over the weekend.
Ward nine member Thomas Miria Bainao, representing villages from Nabuapaka, Iare and Boroborona in Hall Sound Bay made the call.
Bainao said on Saturday night, several houses, including his, a platform, and graves were affected by king tides.
He said families had moved to higher grounds and had settled down but moving inland for permanent relocation was difficult as there would be land issues involved.
Bainao said the latest king tides, accompanied by strong winds, had started earlier in the month.
He said coastal flooding had been experienced at Nabuapaka and two other villages.
Fourteen houses, properties and two church buildings, a pastor’s house and local graveyards were affected.
Gardens were submerged and crops destroyed while toilet pits were flooded, posing health risk, he said.
Village court magistrate Terence Paru said his home and other properties had been destroyed.
The Central disaster office is arranging relief supplies and building materials for the villagers to be delivered this week.
Governor Robert Agarobe is expected to meet with the villagers today.