The national disaster management office in Kiribati says it expects damaging waves will become more frequent.
The waves swamped parts of Betio, damaging the hospital. Photo: Kiribati Ministry of Health
The office is working to repair Betio Hospital after parts of it were destroyed by 2.9 metre tides about a week ago.
Its toilet block and maternity ward and temporary sewerage system, as well as part of a seawall built to protect the hospital, were damaged.
Big waves rendered disastrous damages to Betio Hospital in Kiribati, leaving it flooded with seawater and in a disarrayed state. Photo: Kiribati Ministry of Health
Michael Foon, who is with the national disaster management office, said they were working to build a higher wall before spring tides hit again.
"The sort of predictions that we have with waves reaching more than 2.9 metres, it's becoming more frequent. Last year there was only a few, but this year we're forecasting nine, and will probably see more in the future."
Mr Foon said the next spring tides were forecast to hit in a few weeks' time.
Big waves rendered disastrous damages to Betio Hospital in Kiribati, leaving it flooded with seawater and in a disarrayed state. Photo: Kiribati Ministry of Health
