Rabaere Matai and Troubles with Sea Walls

This is the flag of Kiribati. Rabaere lives in Teaoraereke Village in the Gilbert Islands, which is part of Kiribati. This is the flag of Kiribati.

Rabaere’s home is only a few metres above the level of the sea. Sea levels are rising so Rabaere and his family have a sea wall to protect their home.

When Cyclone Pam passed through the Pacific in 2015 it caused large sea swells and high winds in Kiiribati.

Rabaere’s sea wall was damaged during this time. ‘It was unreal because it was low tide and all of a sudden the sea was high within 30 minutes. This was the first time that the sea wall had been broken.’

How must it feel to have the sea so close Stop and reflect: How must it feel to have the sea so close and have the sea level continuing to rise?

The wall was damaged more than three times that year. Rabaere has had to rebuild the broken sections. Each time this happens though the wall loses its strength.

In this photo Rabaere stands behind his wall. Unfortunately his family are now finding that the water is claiming their toilets and shower block too further down the coast.

Now he has decided to build a stronger wall made of cement. Rabaere and his family must pay to repair and build their own sea wall. This is an old Kiribati $2 coin from 1989.

Let’s remember Rabaere and his family and pray for them. Photo Credits: Caritas