HC Deb 18 December 1997 vol 303 cc269-70W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will evaluate the potential environmental hazards posed by the climatic changes arising from the E1 Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean in respect of the rainfall and hurricane patterns affecting Christmas Island. [20785]

Mr. Meacher

During an E1 Nino event, there is a substantial increase in rainfall throughout the year in the central equatorial Pacific region which includes Christmas Island. Since the onset of the current major E1 Niño, rainfall has been well above average in this region since March 1997, and this pattern is expected to continue until E1 Nino declines, probably by the middle of next year.

As Christmas Island is close to the equator, it is extremely unlikely to experience hurricanes.

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