Red Cross supports those affected by drought in Tuvalu

MEDIA ADVISORY
Tuesday 4th October 2011

New Zealand Red Cross supports those affected by drought in Tuvalu

New Zealand Red Cross has sent two relief aid workers and supplies to support the response for drought stricken Pacific Island nation Tuvalu.

With limited to no rainfall over the last six months, water rationing has reached critical levels in Tuvalu and Tokelau, with the two countries now declaring states of emergency.

New Zealand Red Cross International Operations and Emergency Manager Andrew McKie said the situation is grim, with rain not expected for another couple of months.

“We are working closely with Tuvalu Red Cross who asked for our assistance to support immediate impacts of the drought. As a result of this request we have mobilised 2,000 collapsible water containers, hand sanitizer, tarpaulins to be used to capture rain, two emergency desalination units and sent two New Zealand Red Cross aid workers.”

“Every year New Zealand Red Cross remains committed to supporting disasters. In the past year alone we have supported crises in nine countries, contributed $847,000 on Pacific development programmes and sent 51 aid workers overseas.”

The two New Zealand Red Cross relief aid workers, Dean Manderson and Greg Johns, left for Tuvalu on Monday morning aboard a New Zealand Defence Force C-130. They will be working with Tuvalu Red Cross and New Zealand Government representatives to assess any further assistance.

New Zealand Red Cross identified the need for small emergency desalinators five years ago to suit the requirements of small isolated Pacific communities, sending units to Tonga and Vanuatu.

The desalinators can convert sea water to drinking water at a rate of one to two litres per minute and are designed for emergency use not long-term solutions.

Both units are being deployed to the small Island group of Nukulaelae today south of the capital where it was reported they had just 60 litres left yesterday for a population of 350.

ENDS

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