Coastal communities around the country have been put on alert for “higher than normal” tides over the next few months.
The National Weather Service warned that the high tides may trigger coastal flooding this season, due to a combination of factors.
It stated that one of these factors is the current La Nina state, declared earlier this season.
The other contributing factor is a seasonal phenomenon often referred to as ‘westerly wind burst’ which is contributing to the current coastal flooding situation on the northern coast of PNG.
The NWS also stated that many parts of PNG are expecting the highest tides of the year this month with the 2021 Tide Calendar for Lombrum in Manus province showing four of the highest tides of the year expected in the month of December.
As La Nina is anticipated to influence higher sea levels until April 2022, the chances of coastal flooding during extreme high tides will persist over the next few months.