On January 29, 20201, the Kapingamarangi Municipal Government declared a State of Emergency due to the continuing effects of drought. The Kapingamarangi Task Force, previously activated to respond to drought conditions late last year has been reactivated by the Governor of Pohnpei State as of February 4, 2021.
In reviewing recent relief efforts and existing conditions on Kapingamarangi Atoll, the Task Force has confirmed an urgent need for food to be delivered to the people of Kapingamarangi. Water tanks delivered during recent relief efforts, donated by Micronesia Conservation Trust, International Organization for Migration – Micronesia, and the Embassy of Japan, are providing enough fresh water for the 200 plus population for an extended period of time.
Kapingamarangi Atoll’s drought conditions have been downgraded from D4 – Exceptional Drought to D3 – Extreme Drought. The immediate and long term effects of local crop production are severely affected.
The next trip to Kapingamarangi to provide food and supplies is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2021. The Office of the Governor, Kapingamarangi Municipal Government, and Kapingamarangi Task Force kindly invite donations of food (rice, ramen, canned meats, etc) from the general public to assist the people of Kapingamarangi. Please contact the Office of the Governor at 320-2235 for details.