Tsunami hits Islands in Kiribati

 

Tsunami hits Islands in Kiribati

14:04 PM on 25 March 2022

Aelvin Kanthony, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent 

Aelvin.Kanthony@rnz.co.nz

As of this reporting at around 2 PM, the tsunamis resulting from the eruption of Tinakula have reached the Gilbert Islands from the south, arriving at the islands of Arorae and Tamana first. These tsunamis are especially harmful to the lower-lying islands which are more vulnerable to ocean and weather events. This is following the devastation in Banaba where it first reached the nation of Kiribati. 

Worthy of note, however, is the rapid responses in Marakei by Minister Tekaiara and in North Tarawa by Minister Mwemwenikeaki. Both have quickly evacuated their citizens despite the lack of existing infrastructure while the latter’s tactic of building walls with sandbags has proved useful in preventing further wreckage.

Further, following guidance from the Kiribati Meteorology Service, Minister Katia from Makin has advised the constituency of South Tarawa to avoid fishing activities in the ocean, arguing the necessity to, “Advise the South Tarawa constituency to cooperate with the Kiribati Meteorology Service, and to avoid fishing activities in the ocean to avoid being contaminated by sulphuric volcanic ash.” As of now, both local and foreign fisher vessels have steered clear of the region though official government response from the central government of Kiribati has yet to be decided.

Finally, due to the concerning and escalating nature of this event, the governments of Australia and New Zealand have expressed deep sympathy for the people of Kiribati and are prepared to lend support in the forms of relief packages and funds. However, this can only be done if it is formally requested by the Parliament of Kiribati as per usual to international order.