Publication Date December 25, 2008 | BBC News

Marshall atolls declare emergency

Marshall Islands
Photo: Wikipedia
Photo: Wikipedia

A state of emergency has been declared in the Marshall Islands as widespread flooding displaced hundreds of people.

The islands have been pounded three times in two weeks by powerful waves caused by storm surges and high tides.

The floods have swamped the main urban centres of Majuro and Ebeye which are less than a metre above sea level.

Government officials said the flooding showed how vulnerable the western Pacific atoll nation is to small changes in weather conditions