An unexpected weather event has damaged properties and flooded roads in the Cook Islands, while French Polynesia is dealing with the aftermath of huge swells.
Swells of up to 4.5 metres inundating coastal areas, driven by a high-pressure system pushing up from New Zealand, have been labelled a highly unusualweather event by Cook Islands' emergency management director.
John Strickland said the impacts were the most far-reaching he has seen in a decade.
"It was a sudden hit at night, there was damage that took place Tuesday night local time," Strickland said.
He said there was an "unexpected sea surge" in Rarotonga.
National emergency operation teams were activated from three vilages to support the infrastructure team as they were busy.
Strickland said while things have settled down, early on Thursday morning local time he received reports of northern Islands experiencing high seas, resulting in the closure of schools.
Emergency services remain on high alert and fresh warnings have been issued for the Northern parts of the Cook Islands.
Sea swells hit a tourist resort in Rarotonga. Photo / Facebook
A meeting is underway between Red Cross, Police and other emergency teams.
Cook Islands' Meteorological Service director Arona Ngari said homes were evacuated in Titikaveka and Arorangi districts.
"There seems to be a couple of events that have exceeded expectations and that revolves around a couple of the high tides. So it is a pity, it is awful to see the damage from the high-pressure system," Ngari said.
Houses and roads submerged in French Polynesia
The level of the ocean surrounding French Polynesia has significantly risen and has submerged roads and houses bordering the oceans on the west coast of Tahiti.
La Premiere says 15 houses on the coast were submerged and the homeowners evacuated.
French Polynesia was battered this week by 8-9 metre swells.
All marine and water-related activities were forbidden for most of the territory, including going to the beach.
