9 Jan 2012

New Caledonia storm causes millions of dollars of damage

7:16 am on 9 January 2012

The damage caused by New Caledonia's unseasonably heavy rain in Houailou last month is estimated to be in excess of three million US dollars.

The town in the north of the main island was hit by more than half a metre of rain in 24 hours on Christmas Eve, the territory's heaviest recorded downpour.

According to local press reports, 196 households have suffered losses, with some of them reportedly losing everything.

680 people have been badly affected, with some buildings left filled with more than a metre of mud.