14 Oct 2011

Months more drought expected for Tuvalu

6:10 am on 14 October 2011

Officials in Tuvalu say they do not expect any immediate let-up in the dry conditions which led to an emergency declaration last month, when there was only a few days of drinking water left.

The New Zealand Defence Force has delivered fresh supplies and other countries have also sent aid to help cope with the drought.

A desalination unit set up by the Defence Force on Monday has helped replenish water supplies for residents and hospitals, but households are limited to a ration of 40 litres a day regardless of the number of occupants.

While the immediate relief from New Zealand has served as a buffer, the current commitment is due to finish in less than four weeks.

Tuvalu officials are hoping for further assistance as the weather is expected to remain dry until January.