Pacific: Drought - 2023-2024

Federated States of Micronesia: The drying trend intensifies through October and November, reaching its peak in January of the year following an El Niño event. During this period, rainfall in the western Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) can be as much as 50-60 per cent below the average from January through April. Based on these predictions, it is anticipated that FSM will face severe drought conditions in the first quarter of 2024, especially El Niño is officially declared by the end of September 2023 [...] The Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRCS) is currently gathering data to assess the impact of this slow-onset disaster. However, the urgency to mobilize resources and stocks to meet future needs is evident. The trigger for requesting a Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) is the potential severity of the situation, including escalated drought and cyclone risks, the islands' vulnerability, and logistical challenges. Therefore, prompt readiness actions are crucial, focusing on resource mobilization and strategic planning to alleviate expected hardships. Once the country officially acknowledges the drought situation, upgrading the imminent IFRC-DREF to a full-response IFRC-DREF will be imperative to safeguard communities and ensure sustainability in these challenging times. Once MRCS receives more data to confirm the impact of this slow-onset disaster, it will start to mobilise resources and stocks to cater for future emerging needs. To fully respond to the effects of this drought, this will be confirmed once the effects are visible, and the country is declared in a drought situation where this imminent IFRC-DREF will then be upgraded to a full response IFRC-DREF. (IFRC, 22 Sep 2023)

As a result of the El Niño phenomenon, Micronesia is currently experiencing a period of drought, characterized by persistently elevated temperatures. The consequential impact of this climatic condition is becoming increasingly evident within the local community and schools. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the State Government of Pohnpei issued an emergency declaration regarding water scarcity on 12 January 2024. The drought has significantly disrupted daily life in Pohnpei, leading to adjustments such as schools adopting half-day schedules. Furthermore, the local restaurants or establishments have been compelled to limit their services to takeaways only, underscoring the acute shortage of water resources. The community's response to this crisis is noticeable, with individuals taking proactive measures to mitigate potential water shortages by accumulating water in containers and jars. The multifaceted consequences of the drought are posing challenges that extend beyond mere inconveniences, prompting a collective effort to adapt to and cope with the adverse effects of the ongoing water scarcity. (IFRC, 19 Jan 2024)

On 11 March, the President of FSM (Federated States of Micronesia) declared a State of Emergency in response to severe drought conditions across the country. The most affected states are Yap, Kosrae Pohnpei and Chuuk. It is estimated that more than 6,000 people have been affected. The absence of rainfall is leading to the depletion of rain catchment and river systems throughout the country. This particularly affects residents in the Outer Islands who rely on these systems, posing a significant threat to sanitation and public health. The projected decrease in rainfall levels across FSM indicates a worrisome trend. According to UNICEF, an estimated 16,000 individuals, with children comprising 40 percent of this population, are facing severe food insecurity. Numerous families are grappling with the challenge of ensuring sufficient nutrition for their children due to the impact of the drought on agriculture. Reports indicate substantial damage to taro patches, exacerbating the situation further. (IFRC, 19 Mar 2024)

The island nation of over 100,000 people has been severely affected by El Niño conditions, causing widespread drought across the country. Over 21,000 people are in urgent need of water and food assistance, especially in Lekinioch, Piherarh, and Onoun municipalities, where saltwater intrusion into the existing water system has further aggravated the situation. (UNICEF, 9 Apr 2024)

The Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECEM) reports that the drought has impacted approximately 22,700 people – about 20 per cent of the Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) population. (UNICEF, 3 May 2024)

Marshall Islands: The islands and atolls listed have not experienced rainfall since November 2023. Within the atolls, the conditions of individual islands and islets vary. Some islands have not received any rain for the past 3 to 6 months. The latest Drought Monitor [from] January 23, 2024 lists two islands/atolls with drought conditions: Wotje and Majuro, both D1 (Moderate Drought). Beginning on 26 February, 2024, a dry pattern is returning to the Marshalls, with models indicating 10-day rainfall totals of 1 to 1.8 inches of rain across the region south of 10N, with less than 1 inch for islands/atolls from Wotje northward. [...] Previously, there has been a decline in rainfall. The island communities reliant on rainwater for their daily water needs can no longer depend on this source. These communities typically resort to accessing the underground thin layer of fresh water, located just a few inches beneath the surface, by digging small pits. However, due to rising temperatures and increased usage, this freshwater resource gradually becomes saline. In the case of islands affected by recent inundation (Winter Storm Swell), the freshwater lens has already been compromised, resulting in highly saline underground water. Evidence suggests that within a week of inundation, the leaves of some lush green trees begin to wilt. (IFRC, 26 Feb 2024)

The latest updates from the US Drought Monitoring Report dated 27 February 2024 indicate a deteriorating drought situation in the Marshall Islands since January 2024. Specifically, the drought category for Kwajalein Atoll and Wotje Atoll has escalated from abnormally dry to Severe Drought, with Majuro and Jaluit included in the abnormally dry category. (IFRC, 11 Mar 2024)

In the Marshall Islands, severe drought conditions are reportedly affecting over 5,200 people (12.3% of the total population) in its 15 atolls/islands. The country has experienced little or no rain in the past two to three months. Meanwhile, storm surges have caused flooding and inundation, especially in the northern islands, leading to school closures. (UNICEF, 20 Mar 2024)

In the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), drought and related inundation events have affected about 14,624 people, roughly 35 per cent of the population, across 23 atolls and islands. (UNICEF, 3 May 2024)