Villagers taking shelter at higher ground
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
Villagers of Kakaza in South Choiseul have evacuated to higher ground following strong winds, high sea swells and rising sea levels that have severely affected the coastal community since Saturday night.
Speaking to the Solomon Star in an interview, village resident Augustine Penevolomo said the situation has worsened, forcing most families to leave their homes and move up to the hilltop for safety.
He said the village is now mostly empty, with only a few people remaining behind to collect belongings and monitor the weather conditions.
Penevolomo added that continuous high swells have been hitting many coastal areas, damaging seawalls and washing seawater inland through parts of the village.
“As a result of the strong winds and rising sea level since Saturday night, many villagers have moved up to the hilltop area for safety,” he said.
He said villagers are now concerned about further damage if the bad weather continues over the next few days.
Meanwhile in Sasamunga South Choiseul as well experienced high swells of water reaching up to the mainland.
Many of the residents also evacuated up to higher grounds.
