26 Oct 2007

Number of atolls in PNG's north could disappear due to rising sea levels

11:03 am on 26 October 2007

A number of atolls in Papua New Guinea's north could disappear because of rising sea levels.

The atolls in Manus province have a population of about 50 000, with 40 percent living on smaller islands.

The National newspaper says eight smaller islands in the group have already disappeared.

It says at least 25 000 people might need to be relocated if the situation does not improve.