PNG king-tide relief operation underway

A relief operation is slowly taking shape in Papua New Guinea's New Ireland province to help thousands of people displaced by huge king tides that struck the island two days ago.

Pockets of devastation can be found down the entire 280-kilometre stretch of New Ireland's only coastal road.

Village homes built close to the water's edge were either destroyed or swept some 50 metres inland by the high tides.

The pristine white sand is littered with coral and debris, while the normally bustling villages have been abandoned.

Locals say it is the worst destruction they have seen in 30 years.

Government-coordinated relief efforts are slowly unfolding.