Attachments
CONTEXT
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The Pacific Islands are highly vulnerable to recurring extreme weather events and natural hazards—such as droughts, earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions—that can result in casualties, displacement, and other humanitarian impacts.
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Due to climate change, hydrometeorological disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity, making small island nations among the Pacific Islands particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme weather events, as population centers and public infrastructure are largely located in coastal areas.
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In the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), reduced rainfall driven by El Niño conditions since summer 2023 are causing water scarcity and could lead to drought conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Monthly precipitation levels have been below the level needed to meet most water needs across areas of FSM and RMI since November 2023, NOAA reports. The governor of FSM’s Pohnpei State issued a declaration of emergency in mid-January due to dry conditions and El Niño-driven water scarcity.
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Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin made landfall over Vanuatu on February 28, 2023, and March 2, 2023, respectively. The storms affected approximately 250,000 people; damaged water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and other critical infrastructure; and caused widespread power outages, according to the Government of Vanuatu. Tropical Cyclone Lola made landfall over Vanuatu’s Malekula and Pentecost islands on October 24, 2023, causing heavy rains and flooding. These storms drove food, protection, shelter, and WASH needs in Vanuatu during 2023.
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Papua New Guinea’s Mount Bagana Volcano began erupting on July 7, 2023, affecting nearly 10,600 people and displacing nearly 3,900 people in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Displaced people sheltering in evacuation centers in the autonomous region required food assistance, shelter supplies, and WASH assistance. Separately, eruptions of the Mount Ulawun Volcano in November 2023 caused at least 5 deaths and displaced at least 16,400 additional people in Papua New Guinea’s East New Britain and West New Britain provinces, driving needs for food assistance, safe drinking water, and shelter materials. In addition to volcanic eruptions, ongoing civil unrest and localized violence in the country’s Enga, Hela, and Southern Highlands regions continue to cause displacement and generate humanitarian needs.