BASIC FACTS
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Total area:
Land area 236.7 sq. km, Exclusive Economic Zone 1,960.027 sq. km
Population:
15,040 (2021 Census)
Time zone:
UTC - 10
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Tropical Cyclones, Storm Surges, Flooding, Landslides, Tsunamis
Geography:
Consists of 15 major volcanic and atoll islands of which 3 are inhabited. Capital: Avarua, Rarotonga
Languages:
English (official) and Cook Islands Maori (official)
HIGHLIGHTS
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The Cook Islands' major islands are geographically dispersed over a vast exclusive economic zone. It has a free association with New Zealand who often support the country during emergency preparedness and response. In 2005, 5 cyclones affected the island group in the space of 2 months. Four of the five cyclones were destructive. New Zealand Emergency Management was the first entity to support their response efforts on the ground.
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Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) is the government entity responsible for the overall planning and coordination of emergencies in the group of islands. This is supported by ‘Puna who are the defector disaster risk management committees at the village district level, that work closely with EMCI on emergency preparedness and response.
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There is no official cluster system in the Cook Islands. However, the Puna is empowered and mandated to facilitate a coordinated village/district-based system of disaster response teams. The sectoral response is usually delegated to the appropriate line ministry.
BASIC FACTS
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Total area:
Land area 702 sq. km; Exclusive Economic Zone 2,978,000 sq. kmi
Population:
102,436 (average annual growth rate -0.6%) i
Time zone:
UTC+10 (Yap and Chuuk), UTC +11 (Kosrae and Pohnpei)
Storm season:
May - November
Natural hazards:
Typhoons (cyclones), floods, droughts, epidemics, tsunamis, and landslides
Geography:
Archipelago of over 607 islands and atolls, 65 inhabited Capital: Palikir
Languages:
English (official), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, and others
HIGHLIGHTS
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The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) extends across a vast territory. The country faces seasonal and non-seasonal natural hazards exacerbated by climate change.
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The key national authority in FSM for dealing with natural disasters is the Division of Emergency Management under the Department of Environment, Conservation and Emergency Management (DECEM). Each of the four states has state disaster coordinators that fall under different offices, from one state to another. They are responsible for state disaster coordination.
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FSM faces a high degree of natural disaster risk. The country is exposed to tropical cyclones, epidemics, floods, landslides, and tsunamis. Also, climate change-induced risks such as coastal erosions and a rising sea level pose a threat. While some of the natural hazards are characteristic only to a particular state, others can occur simultaneously in each state.ii
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Violence against women and children is highly prevalent and exacerbated by poverty and unemployment. Food insecurity and insufficient access to safe water and sanitation lead to health and nutrition problems.
BASIC FACTS
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Total area:
Land area 18,274 sq. km; Exclusive Economic Zone 1,290,000 sq. km
Population:
935,974 (July 2020 est.) - Average annual growth rate 0.5%i
Time zone:
UTC+12
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides
Geography:
Archipelago of 332 islands (110 inhabited), Capital: Suva
Languages:
English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani
HIGHLIGHTS
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Being exposed to on average one cyclone per year, Fiji is increasingly managing emergency responses on its own. In emergencies that exceed national capacities, however, the Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) is available for support.
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The Fijian National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is responsible for the overall planning and coordination of disaster risk management, with a separate division of climate change under the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
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National response capacity in Fiji is strong due to a well-established and active network of humanitarian partners, including Government agencies, the Red Cross, local NGOs, and UN agencies.
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Fiji sits in the vicinity of the Pacific Ring of Fire, meaning that earthquakes, earthquake-induced tsunamis, and landslides are a possibility. Climate change is likely to increase the frequency of hydro-meteorological events like cyclones, heavy rain, and flooding.
BASIC FACTS
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Total area:
Land area 811 sq. km, Exclusive economic zone 3,550,000 sq. km
Population:
111,796 (average annual growth rate 1.7%) i
Time zone:
UTC+12
Storm season:
November - March (Low risk)
Natural hazards:
Inundations, tsunamis, droughts, epidemics, maritime disasters
Geography:
Group of 33 coral atolls (21 inhabited), Capital: Tarawa
Languages:
I-Kiribati, English (official)
HIGHLIGHTS
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Kiribati’s low-lying atolls face a serious threat of inundation with the impact of climate change obvious to its people. The latest natural disaster event, Tropical Cyclone Pam, occurred in March 2015, with floods affecting 4,000 people.
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Dengue and measles outbreaks occurred in 2018 and 2019 respectively, affecting more than 1,700 people.
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The National Disaster Risk Management Council is the decision-making body during disaster response and acts on behalf of the Cabinet. Island Disaster Committees coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery at the local level.
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Due to the size of the islands and their low-lying disposition, flooding, and inundation are the most serious threats. The country expects to be completely submerged within thirty years due to sea level rise, which is why the Government purchased 6,000 acres in Fiji for its population to resettle in 2014
BASIC FACTS
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Total area:
Land area 181 sq. km; Exclusive Economic Zone: 2,131,000 sq. km
Population:
77,917 – average population. growth: 1.43%i
Time zone:
UTC+12
Storm season:
July - October
Natural hazards:
Typhoons, storm surges, droughts
Geography:
29 low-lying atolls and five islands, Capital: Majuro
Languages:
Marshallese, English (both official)
HIGHLIGHTS
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From 1995 to 2019, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) was affected by six natural disasters. Due to its low-lying atolls, RMI is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels due to climate change.
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The primary agency responsible for disaster management is the National Disaster Management Office. If needed, resources for disaster response can be mobilized through the COFA with the US and the related Disaster Assistance Emergency Fund. Upon request, international humanitarian actors can be deployed during disasters within the framework of the Pacific Humanitarian Team.
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Rising sea levels and climate change pose a threat to food security. Urbanization creates a push-out effect in urban primary schools and the economic participation of women is relatively low. There are also concerns related to health and access to clean water and sanitation.
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As of 2 February 2020, there have been 2,456 cases of dengue-like illness of which 1,203 have been laboratory confirmed.
BASIC FACTS
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Total area:
Land area 21 sq.km; Exclusive Economic Zone area: 430,000 sq. km
Population:
11,000 (2019 Est) – Average population. Growth rate: -1.3%
Time zone:
UTC+12
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Epidemics, storm surges, tsunamis, droughts, sea level rise
Geography:
Phosphate rock island, 53 km south of the Equator, No official capital, de facto: Yaren
Languages:
Nauruan, English (both official)
HIGHLIGHTS​
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Nauru faces a comparatively low risk of natural disasters, the most likely of which are droughts, storms, and sea level rise.
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The National Disaster Risk Management Council is the policy-making body for disaster management. It receives reports from the National Controller, who coordinates the national response together with the National Emergency Operations Centre.
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There is little data available on protection issues in Nauru. School enrolments is high, and schooling is free. Healthcare services have improved, although the country is still facing a high rate of non-communicable diseases. Access to sanitation is an issue.
BASIC FACTS​
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Total area:
Land area 260 sq. km; Exclusive Economic Zone area 390,000 sq. km
Population:
1681 (2022 Census)
Time zone:
UTC - 11
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Tropical cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, contamination of freshwater supply
Geography:
Uplifted coral atoll island, Capital: Alofi
Languages:
Niuean (official) and English (official)
HIGHLIGHTS​
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The Niue National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) was established to lead the overall planning for and coordination of preparedness and emergency response on the Island.
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Niue is a country in free association with New Zealand, that makes available the support of the New Zealand National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), during emergency responses.
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There is no cluster system in Niue. Responses are sectoral as prescribed in their National Disaster Plan and this is led by the line ministry of these sectors.
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The last catastrophic event to affect Niue was Tropical Cyclone Heta in 2024 where 2 lives were lost, and the entire population of the country affected. Droughts have been known to affect the island, especially during the El-Nino periods. Despite this, Niue has never registered on the World Risk Index.
BASIC FACTS​
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Total area:
Land area 459 sq km; Exclusive Economic Zone area 500,238 sq. km
Population:
17614 (2020 Census)
Time zone:
UTC +9
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Typhoons, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, inundation and flooding
Geography:
340 coral and volcanic islands, Capital: Koror
Languages:
Palau (official) and Englis (Official)
HIGHLIGHTS​
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The National Emergency Management Office of Palau is the entity that is mandated to coordinate operational preparedness and response in the country while the strategic direction and oversight are provided by the National Disaster Executive Council.
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Palau has a compact of free association (COFA) with the United States of America, supporting them in monitoring weather and coastal waters; and the provision of emergency funds under its COFA.
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Climate change threatens its vital infrastructure, settlements, and facilities that support the livelihoods of its island communities.
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Palau’s demographic has remained static over the past 10 years due to various reasons from low fertility, and emigration to controlled immigration. If this trend continues, it will soon have an aging population thereby placing demands on public services in the form of social protection and specialist health services.
BASIC FACTS​
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Total area:
Land area 2831 sq. km; Economic Exclusive Zone 120,000 sq. km
Population:
205,557 (2021 Census)
Time zone:
UTC +13
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Tropical cyclones, tsunamis, droughts, floods, earthquakes
Geography:
2 main islands and 8 small islets, Capital: Apia
Languages:
Samoan (official) and English (official)
HIGHLIGHTS​
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Samoa is ranked as a medium-risk country, in the 2024 World Risk Index. However, it has been susceptible to a few catastrophic events including a tsunami in 2009 that claimed 143 lives.
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The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is responsible for planning and implementing its National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) and coordinating its response activities. The National Disaster Council is the governing body of the NDMO. Samoa has a sectoral approach to disaster coordination, as outlined in the NDMP.
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The Samoa Development Plan for 2022 – 2026 outlines the government’s commitment to build resilience and inspire growth, through five Key Strategic Outcomes – including social development and climate resilience.
BASIC FACTS​
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Total area:
Land area 28,896 sq. km; Exclusive Economic Zone 1,589,447 sq. km
Population:
720,956 (2019 Census)
Time zone:
UTC +11
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Tropical cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcano eruptions
Geography:
Archipelago of 992 islands (one-third populated), Capital: Honiara
Languages:
Melanesian Pidgin, English (official, spoken by 1-2% of pop.), 120 Indigenous languages
HIGHLIGHTS​
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From 2011 to 2020, Solomon Islands (SI) was affected by 13 natural disasters. On 9 December 2016, a very strong undersea earthquake of magnitude 8.0 left massive damage in Makira, south of Malaita, north of Guadalcanal, and Rennel & Bellona affecting almost 7,000 people.
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The overall responsibility for disaster management is with the National Disaster Council. It steers four committees (risk reduction, recovery, hazards, and disaster management) that, in turn, lead the respective response and recovery clusters.
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The country is vulnerable to tropical cyclones, storms, floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, droughts, pandemics, agricultural pests and diseases.
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On 2 April 2020, Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold was classified as a Category 1 storm as it passed southeast of the Solomon Islands. Approximately 27 people went missing after being washed off a ferry traveling from Honiara to Malaita. Some 25 schools in three provinces - Guadalcanal, Makira Ulawa, Central Islands – were damaged or destroyed.
BASIC FACTS​
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Total area:
Land area 12 sq. km, Exclusive Economic Zone 300,000 sq. km
Population:
1647 (2019 Census)
Time zone:
UTC +13
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Cyclones, storm surges, droughts, rising sea-level
Geography:
3 atolls, does not have a capital as each atoll has its administrative center. The largest city is Atafu.
Languages:
Melanesian Pidgin, English (official, spoken by 1-2% of pop.), 120 Indigenous languages
HIGHLIGHTS​
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Tokelau is a self-governing territory of New Zealand with most of its government administrative offices based in Apia, Samoa. In its principles of partnership with New Zealand, New Zealand is meant to assist Tokelau in the event of emergencies that are beyond the country's capacity. In addition, due to Samo’s relationship with Tokelau, the Disaster Management Office can release personnel to support Tokelau and offer pre-position supplies.
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Tokelau utilizes a whole-of-community approach to addressing disaster risk reduction, undertaking response, and resilience building. Sectors, government departments, and community groups all have roles to play in their emergency response. Each atoll comprises a Nuku (Village) with its own Nuku disaster plan. The Nuku is governed by its council of Elders who are also responsible for adopting the plan and coordinating responses with their National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU).
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A range of hazards has affected the atoll group from tropical cyclones, to flooding from wave inundation to droughts. The worst was a drought in 2011 that affected about 80% of the crops that grow on the atoll.
BASIC FACTS​
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Total area:
Land area 747 sq. km; Exclusive economic zone 700,000 sq. km
Population:
100,179 (2021 Census)
Time zone:
UTC +13
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones, volcano eruptions, drought
Geography:
Archipelago of 176 islands (36 inhabited), Capital: Nuku'alofa
Languages:
Tongan, English (both official)
HIGHLIGHTS​
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Since 2011, Tonga has been hit by eleven natural disasters. The latest was TC Harold in April 2020, which destroyed 41 homes and damaged another 941.[i]
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Tonga has a three-tiered system for disaster management. The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) is the lead agency for the coordination of the emergency management system and administers all committees at the national level.
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Tonga is vulnerable to tropical cyclones (TC), earthquakes, tsunamis, volcano eruptions, storm surges, storm waves, flood/water inundation, and epidemics. Climate change exacerbates these risks. In April 2020, TC Harold moved toward Tonga after damaging Fiji, with category 4. No injuries or death were reported in Tonga. There was some serious damage to the wharf and public infrastructure along the coastal areas in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua. In Tongatapu, 16 houses were damaged with 366 having minor damage. 15 houses have been destroyed in ‘Eua.
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Tonga has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world. There is almost universal primary school education, although gender parity is not yet achieved. Child and maternal mortality rates are low, whereas non-communicable diseases are increasing. The remoteness of the outer islands poses challenges for shelter, logistics, and food security.
BASIC FACTS​
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Total area:
Land area 26 sq. km; Exclusive Economic Zone Area: 900,000 sq. km
Population:
10,099 (2023 Est.)
Time zone:
UTC +12
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Coastal floods, cyclones, tsunamis, extreme heat
Geography:
9 low-lying coral atolls, Capital: Funafuti
Languages:
Tuvaluan and English (official), Samoan, Gilbertese (in Nui)
HIGHLIGHTS​
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The Government of Tuvalu has adopted the 2030 Agenda into its national strategic sustainable development plan 2016-2020 as a framework to guide SDG implementation.
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Tuvalu is affected by rising sea levels and already two of its nine islands are on the verge of being submerged. The latest significant disaster event was Tropical Cyclone Tino in January 2020, which affected over 5,000 people.
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The main coordination and strategic body for disaster management is the National Disaster Committee, while the National Disaster Management Office implements disaster-related activities and cooperates with national and international non-governmental partners. Island Disaster Committees manage disaster responses at the local level
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Tuvalu almost completely lacks exploitable resources and is highly vulnerable to environmental shocks. Rising sea levels due to climate change pose a significant threat as the country’s highest point is only 4.6 metres above sea level.
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In 2000, the Government appealed to Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels should make an evacuation necessary.
BASIC FACTS​
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Total area:
Land area 26 sq. km; Exclusive Economic Zone Area: 900,000 sq. km
Population:
10,099 (2023 Est.)
Time zone:
UTC +12
Storm season:
November - April
Natural hazards:
Coastal floods, cyclones, tsunamis, extreme heat
Geography:
9 low-lying coral atolls, Capital: Funafuti
Languages:
Tuvaluan and English (official), Samoan, Gilbertese (in Nui)
HIGHLIGHTS​
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The Government of Tuvalu has adopted the 2030 Agenda into its national strategic sustainable development plan 2016-2020 as a framework to guide SDG implementation.
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Tuvalu is affected by rising sea levels and already two of its nine islands are on the verge of being submerged. The latest significant disaster event was Tropical Cyclone Tino in January 2020, which affected over 5,000 people.
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The main coordination and strategic body for disaster management is the National Disaster Committee, while the National Disaster Management Office implements disaster-related activities and cooperates with national and international non-governmental partners. Island Disaster Committees manage disaster responses at the local level
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Tuvalu almost completely lacks exploitable resources and is highly vulnerable to environmental shocks. Rising sea levels due to climate change pose a significant threat as the country’s highest point is only 4.6 metres above sea level.
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In 2000, the Government appealed to Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels should make an evacuation necessary.