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Concerns over water and food access grow as drought continues

Countries
Marshall Islands
+ 2 more
Sources
OCHA
Publication date

Highlights

  • The Republic of the Marshalls Islands (RMI) Cabinet issued an elevated state of disaster on 7 May as the prolonged and severe drought in the northern parts of the country worsens.

  • There is a high likelihood that RMI will remain in drought conditions through July based on ENSO Pacific updates.

  • An UNDAC team has been deployed arriving in RMI on 9 May.

  • Assessments are on-going, however, water tanks are empty and wells are unsafe for drinking. Most of the seven reverse osmosis units are operating belowcapacity.

  • Additional reverse osmosis units, spare parts, delivery of water bladders, immediate and long-term assistance on food security, and a crisis support plan for communicable health issues related to water security are needed.

  • The National Disaster Committee established an Emergency Operations Centre on 9 May.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.