PACIFIC BRIEFS
Majuro cleans up after high tide
MAJURO, Marshall Islands (PIR) — Emergency crews are cleaning up after a high tide and strong winds caused the sea to flood parts of the low-lying capital atoll of Majuro Monday.
Some families were forced to move from their homes into government buildings during the height of the flooding.
Owners of businesses in the downtown area, with the sea on one side and the lagoon on the other, worked to keep water out of their premises.
Roads were left littered with debris.
The highest point on Majuro, a long string of narrow islands linked by bridges, is about eight feet above sea level.
Kiribati issues cholera warning
TARAWA, Kiribati (PIR) — Health officials have issued a cholera warning, following similar announcements in the neighboring Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
The Director of Public Health, Dr. Airam Meetai, warned Tarawa residents to boil drinking water, avoid eating raw fish and wash their hands before eating.
Dr. Meetai said his ministry will monitor the arrival of overseas visitors, who now are prohibited from bring in fresh food.
Fijian military could command New Zealanders
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (PIR) — Kiwi troops serving in East Timor could be commanded by Fijians following the recruitment of four Fiji military officers by the New Zealand Army.
Defense Minister Mark Burton said careful checks were made to ensure that none of the officers were involved in last year’s coup in Fiji.
The Fijians will be posted to infantry and logistics battalions, which would result in East Timor assignments.
Green Party defense spokesman Keith Locke said the officers’ recruitment is inconsistent with New Zealand’s decision to cut military ties with Fiji as a result of the May 19, 2000 coup.
