Australia pledges aid to Pacific islands

Australia has provided $142,000 in aid to two Pacific island nations after tidal surges caused widespread flooding late last year.

The federal government has allocated $US50,000 ($A71,400) in immediate emergency assistance to both the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Tidal surges and storms have inundated the low-lying islands since early December.

Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Duncan Kerr said the Marshall Islands had declared a state of emergency on December 23 and the neighbouring Federated States of Micronesia declared a state of emergency on December 24.

"A combination of three-metre waves and heavy storms flooded the cities of Majuro and Ebeye in the Marshall Islands, destroying homes and submerging parts of the islands," he said in a statement on Monday.

"The tidal surges left streets covered in rocks, coral and debris.

"There is limited information on the amount of damage in Micronesia, however we know that groundwater supply and farming land has been contaminated with seawater due to the tidal surges."

Australia will consider further assistance if more detailed assessments indicate the need and requests come from the governments of the countries, he said.

Australia's Pacific Patrol Boats are being used to transport supplies and assessment teams to the outer islands in the Federated States of Micronesia.