New Records
p. 103 · Read in the full issue
Rain By
The Yard
Lae Runs Up New Records
r[E drought really broke in Lae, New Guinea, this year—over 17 feet of rain had fallen in the January-November period.
The 206 inches recorded to November 15, was the highest recording since records have been kept (1946).
But despite so much rain people are now carting water for domestic use from the town supply because their tanks are empty.
Average rainfall for Lae has been worked out at 177 inches, but due to last year’s low recording the average fell to 164 inches. After this year’s record, the average will go back to the previous average.
August’s rain this year was 3,399 points, a record for that month; it caused severe damage to the town.
The bridge approach of the
Butibum River was washed away, a landslide occured on Mount Lunaman which flattened an un occupied house, and there were many washaways.
Following is registered rainfall (m points) for 1957: January, 999; February, 209; March, 1,317; April, 1.665; May, 3,308; June, 2,460; July, 2,117; August, 3,399; September, 2,401; October, 2,620; November (15th) 187-points.
Lae’s record “low” rainfall happened last year—l 22 inches.