On 28 September, the Tuvalu government declared Tuvalu to be in a state of emergency due to water shortage - the result of a five-month drought in the Pacific Island nation.

The Rev. Tafue Lusama, general secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu (Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu, EKT), wrote: "Here on the capital Funafuti, the government has sealed all the water catchments on the island and whatever little water that is left is rationed to all people at a ration of about 20 litres per household.

"Most severely affected are the southern islands of Nukulaelae which are experiencing a difficult time with water shortage and local food as well. The coconut tree tops has started falling off, breadfruit trees are dead, banana plantations are dried up, and even the traditional pulaka pits are rotten.

"On behalf of the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu I would like to appeal to you for your prayers as we face this critical challenge due to climate change. The EKT is doing what it can to assist the people most affected, and we need you to stand with us in our efforts."

Thirty new cases of water born disease were confirmed in Tuvalu on 6 Ocober as the country's water crisis deepens. Authorities have confirmed that the outbreak is due to the current drought and poor quality drinking water.

Churches calling for swift action and long-term plans

The Uniting Church in Australia has encouraged the Australian government to offer emergency relief to Tuvalu in the midst of its current crisis.

The Rev. Dr Kerry Enright, national director of the Uniting Church’s international agency UnitingWorld, has said the situation also raises longer-term issues. 

“At the recent Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting urgency was accorded the need to attend to the major issues of mitigation and adaptation,” Enright said.

“The Uniting Church in Australia encourages the Australian government to keep addressing climate change mitigation and to attend to the financing of adaptation.”

Bruce Mullen, from the Uniting Church of Australia’s Pacific division says Australia may need to consider resettling people from the Pacific in the future, with a number of the island nations in the grip of a serious drought.

“The long term issue is that some of these atoll islands are not going to be sustainable for human habitation indefinitely. So the long-term issue is how we address relocation – there’s nothing worse than having to dislocate people as a matter of urgency and trauma. It’s much better to think these things through with a bit of time.”

Further information:

Tuvalu water crisis continues (UnitingWorld, 10 October)

Video: Climate change, faith and hope in Tuvalu (WCC)

Global warming and climate refugees (WCC)