MHL: Drought - 02-2024 - Drought #1 (2024-02-26)

Sources for data marked as Other

https://www.drought.gov/states/us-affiliated-pacific-islands droughtmonitor.unl.edu

Description

The islands and atolls listed below have not experienced rainfall since November 2023. Within these atolls, the conditions of individual islands and islets vary. Some islands have not received any rain for the past 3 to 6 months.

According to the recent outlook advisory issued by the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA), drought conditions continue to build across the region with the ongoing dry pattern. Palau and parts of the RMI recently received beneficial rains, but dry weather will ultimately resume with showers remaining suppressed south. El Niño ‘dry phase’ is still persistent and thus there will be a high likelihood of many locations experiencing severe to extreme drought.

Triggers

The latest Drought Monitor, January 23, 2024, especially lists 2 islands/atolls with drought conditions. They are Wotje and Majuro, both D1 (Moderate Drought). Also, three others are listed as D0 (Abnormally dry). They are Mili, Jaluit and Kwajalein. However, Majuro, and surrounding islands, received more than 3 inches of rainfall on January 30, 2024. This helped to lower the drought level a bit for the islands/atolls south of 10N, though this will likely be temporary. Beginning today, 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. Based on the latest rainfall on January 30, the islands south of Wotje will see a brief lowering of the drought indicators. However, extremely dry conditions are seen north of 10N and look to remain that way.

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.

Request For Assistance

Government Requests International Assistance

No

NS Requests International Assistance

Yes

Information Bulletin Published

No

Actions taken by RCRC

General

Water & Sanitation

Summary

Discussion is ongoing with the Australian Red Cross which has been forthcoming and is offering support for WASH equipment.

Actions taken by National Society

General

Damage/Needs assessment

Summary

A needs assessment is ongoing for the atolls due to a Winter Storm Swell that affected the atolls previously. Waves from the swell have affected some of the already depleting drinking water sources.

Actions taken by Federation

General

Other

Summary

The IFRC Suva CCD team has supported the NS by coordinating meetings with its KL and Geneva counterparts to inform them of the impending situation. This also includes emails highlighting the ongoing situation.

Actions taken by others

The Government through its NDMO has deployed RO units to Lib and Likiep Islands to address the water shortages.

Planned International Response

DREF

Requested

Rapid Response Personnel

Requested

Contacts

Originator

Maciu Nokelevu, Senior Disaster Risk Management Officer, maciu.nokelevu@ifrc.org, [+679 9925248](tel:+679 9925248)

National Society

Erica Peters, Secretory General, secgenmircs@gmail.com, [+692 455 2010](tel:+692 455 2010)

Federation

Katie GREENWOOD, Head of Delegation Pacific CCD Suva Office, katie.greenwood@ifrc.org, +61415224156

Media

Soneel Ram, Communication Manager, soneel.ram@ifrc.org, +6799983688