Properties in the Cook Islands have been damaged while French Polynesia is dealing with the aftermath of huge swells from what the Cook Islands Meterological Service is calling an “unexpected weather event”.

Published 2 years ago

Swells of up to 4.5 metres inundated coastal areas in the Cook Islands driven by a high-pressure system pushing up from New Zealand, that was labelled as a highly unusual weather event by Cook Islands’ emergency management director John Strickland.

Mr Strickland told 1 News in New Zealand that the impacts from the “unexpected sea surge” in Rarotonga were the most far-reaching he had seen in a decade.

“It was a sudden hit at night, there was damage that took place Tuesday night local time,” he said.  “Rough seas, debris and rocks, you name it, it was shifted onto the road.”

French Polynesia was also battered by 8-9 metre swells with authorities banning all marine and water-related activities for most of the territory including going to the beach.

According to French Polynesia meteorological authorities, the event was an “exceptional phenomenon” which hadn’t been seen in French Polynesia since 2005.

Sea level rises

The level of the ocean surrounding French Polynesia had significantly risen and submerged roads and houses bordering the oceans on the west coast of Tahiti.

Local authorities put out a red alert level for the Southern and Western islands where the waves are said to be causing a sea level rise.

On a Facebook group for French Polynesia sailors, there were reports of big swells in the anchorage at Taina, with some yachts dragging anchor though no reports of any yachts being damaged.  South-westerly swells of up to two meters were reported in Taiohae in Nuku Hiva.

Franceinfo reported that a number of airfields in the Tuamotus were been closed due to marine debris and gravel on runways.

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Related News:

Unexpected Sea Surges Slam into Cook Islands, Tahiti (One News NZ)

Tahiti District Battered by Huge Swells (Radio New Zealand)

Strong Swells – Several Aerodromes Closed (Franceinfo – in French)

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