Republic of the Marshall Islands - Unusually low rainfall in one of the world’s remotest ocean communities is leading to a precarious humanitarian situation for thousands of people, according to IOM.

IOM has been involved in drought assessments in the northern part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, alongside local and US Government teams. Officials have found some families living on a gallon (3.8 litres) of water per day - barely half of the international standard for emergency water requirements, and often the precursor to serious health conditions.

Unusually low rainfall since February has led the Government in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (population 52,558) to declare a State of Emergency in its northern islands, midway between Hawaii and Australia. The inhabitants of remote northern atolls, some 3,200 people, are at risk. Food security is a major concern, as crops, plants and trees have been damaged.

Government operated ships have today begun transporting relief materials provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), including full water containers and hygiene kits stocked in IOM-managed warehouses, to 567 households in the worst-affected communities.

“We appreciate the high level of coordination with the Government of the Marshall Islands and are continuing to work closely with the USAID and other partners in preparing an effective humanitarian response,” said Ashley Carl, IOM’s Chief of Mission for the Marshall Islands. “While this may not be a massive disaster in global terms, it is highly significant for this remote and fragile environment.”

For more information please contact

Ashley Carl
IOM Pohnpei
Email: acarl@iom.int