Sunday, December 28, 2008

King Tides in Papua New Guinea

Recently this month many eastern facing coastal low lying areas of Papua New Guinea had experienced some form of flooding and inundation by the sea as surges of higher spring tides affected these areas. Whilst the media reported them as King tides many may probably wonder what actually causes such tides. I have provide a link here where most of these questions can be answered. Below is a report from the Papua New Guinea PostCourier today.
------------------------------------------------

King tides expected to hit PNG shores

By Simon Eroro

SPRING tides or king tides are expected to occur throughout the country towards the end of this month and early next month.
The Director of the National Disaster Centre (NDS) Martin Mose said according to the National Weather Service’s (NDS) warning issued yesterday, the spring tides are expected to occur throughout Papua New Guinea’s coastal waters.
Mr Mose said this is expected to occur from January 7 to 14 and urged communities along the coastal areas to take extra precautions during this period.
He said the people living along the coastlines should identify and high er ground and safest routes to the higher grounds when the high tides are experienced.
“Make it a habit to listen to radio or watch the television for any warnings that may be issued by authorities such as the NDS Office,” Mr Mose said.
He said if the warning is issued, people must move inland or to higher grounds immediately, adding young men and women must have the courage to help children, older people and the disabled to move with them.
He also warned people to stay away from beaches until authorities had declared them safe.
Mr Mose said learning from all the disasters that occur, people must take with them an emergency kit which should include spare clothes, canned or fried food, water, water containers, candles, a torch with spare batteries, matches or lighter and a lamp with kerosene.
“Although the authorities will continue to discharge current updates on the spring tides and king tides occurrence, communities must also take up the responsibility to confirm before taking the necessary steps to evacuate to safer areas,” Mr Mose said.