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Some relief has arrived for Tuvalu after the Pacific Island nation declared a state of emergency in the wake of a deepening water crisis.
Two days ago Nukulaelae had just 60 litres of drinking water left for 330 people, but emergency measures backed by New Zealand have now provided the island's population with supplies and equipment to ease the desperate situation.
"Early this morning the Tuvalu naval vessel landed the Red Cross and their desalination plant and they were up and running and providing water to the people in the most desperate need," said Gareth Smith, New Zealand High Commissioner to Tuvalu.
New Zealand is also considering more aid to Nukulaelae as the island is also suffering a food shortage.
Tokelau and Samoa are also in desperate need of water and there are growing concerns for Tokelau, which has also declared a state of emergency.
"Most of the water tanks have some water. But this water has some sludge inside, so we are not recommending this for drinking or use, given the health impact," Jo Vilisi, Tokelau Affairs Office, told ONE News Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver.
A ship carrying enough water for a week's relief is on its way to Tokelau, NZ Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully reported to ONE News.
Struggling under its own water shortage crisis, Samoa has put a plan in place as its riverbeds and plantations dry up.
Most of the island's water catchments are less than a quarter full and rationing is now part of daily life.
The island water shortages are being blamed on a long drought caused by La Nina weather pattern.
"We are informing our country we have got very little now, but we are using it wisely and that should carry us through," Tauili'ili Ekiumeni Fauolo from the Samoa Water Authority told Dreaver.
More bad news is on the way for the region as the La Nina weather pattern is forecast to drive rain away the drought-stricken areas.
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