Unseasonal high tide floods Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands

Unseasonal high tide hit the Marshall Islands Majuro Atoll on October 18, 2016, flooding a significant part of Ejit Island and damaging seawalls and buildings.

The peak king tide periods in the Marshall Islands is, historically, January and late February, but yesterday's sudden storm added to the peak tide for the month and sent waves over 100 meters (328 feet) into Ejit's interior, home to displaced Bikini Islanders.

There were no reports of injuries.

Ejit Island resident Alson Kelen told Radio New Zealand that last year they had 'westerly' storms that caused damage to shoreline residences but now the weather is becoming unpredictable.

According to the RNZ, Marshall Islands have experienced more frequent inundations since 2013, and not just in January and February.

Other parts of Majuro Atoll have experienced moderate ocean flooding over the last couple of days.

Featured image: Ocean flooding, Ejit Island, Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands – October 18, 2016