BAD weather that brings with it strong wind, king tide, rough seas, and heavy rain had caused damages to coastal properties in parts of Western Province.
Reports reaching the Solomon Star said the strong winds on Sunday along with heavy down pour and king tides has hit many communities.
The bad weather was associated with cyclone Lucas which has passed near Rebel Province on Monday.
The strong wind also brought with it high swells and rough seas which caused damages to properties located near the coast.
It was reported that parts of southwest and north-central Ranoggah Island have been affected by the bad weather.
Between 1:30 pm – 2 pm on Sunday afternoon, high swell waves plus strong wind caused damages to coastal areas at Koriovuku village.
Chris Pondokolo, a villager from Koriovuku village told the paper via a phone interview that on Sunday afternoon properties such as outboard motors boats, dugout canoes and canoe shades, and private jetties were struck by the king tide which washed inland.
Pondokolo said an earthquake was also felt early Sunday morning at around 2 am.
He went on to say even piggeries owned by the villagers along the coast have been destroyed by the strong wind and the onslaught from the high waves.
“The huge waves damage the sea walls, coral reefs, pigs home and small wharves,’’ he added.
He said the villagers have to conduct a mass clean up on Sunday.
Mr. Pondokolo added the nearby islands of Simbo and Vella La Vella also faced similar problems.
He said, rough seas also affected the students from attending school in the nearby village of Buri.
At the nearby village Buri, a settlement at Logha was also affected by the king tide and high swells which inundated properties.
The sea now reached the post of the homes, it was revealed.
Parts of west Gizo like Saeragi has also been affected by the strong wind and rough seas.
Given the rising sea level and king tides at Ranoggah, a number of villagers are now contemplating relocating to higher grounds.
BY ULUTAH GINA
GIZO NEWS BUREAU
