7 Oct 2011

UNICEF raises concerns at plight of families caught in drought in Tuvalu

7:25 pm on 7 October 2011

The United Nations Children's Fund says it's deeply concerned at the plight of those affected by the severe water shortage in Tuvalu.

UNICEF's Pacific Representative, Dr Isiye Ndombi, says they are currently working closely with Tuvalu's government, other UN agencies and NGOs to assess the needs of those most affected.

He says UNICEF's priority is to provide life saving essentials to children and their mothers as they are commonly the most vulnerable, as well as to ensure that children's education is not disrupted.

On Funafuti, all pre-schools have been closed.

Water is being rationed there to 25 litres/per person/per day in the current distribution.

The recommended daily UN consumption rate is 100 litres/per person.

The outer islands are also experiencing severe water shortages.

From next week, UNICEF will ship in more humanitarian supplies to populations affected by the drought.