The disappearing Pacific islands

Tuvalu is one of the most vulnerable places in the Pacific and one of the first Pacific islands to start to disappear because of sea level rise. 

The process is underway

CYCLONE PAM: STATE OF EMERGENCY IN TUVALU

A state of emergency has been declared in Tuvalu after tidal surges caused by Cyclone Pam to the southwest washed away houses and crops.

A spokesperson for the Red Cross in Tuvalu, Claire Shave, said the situation on the outer islands was very bad with a large number of people affected.

"Some of the outer islands have had a very bad couple of nights indeed. They've had water washing away houses, buildings, community halls, that sort of thing.

"In addition, because the land is very flat they've had disturbance to some grave sites which is causing a great deal of distress."

Ms Shave said the Red Cross had begun its emergency response and was distributing emergency supplies to those affected.

She said it was possible international assistance would be requested by the Tuvalu Government.

Radio New Zealand Pacific