Overview:
Palau has entered the first stage of a nationwide drought response, with officials warning that current rainfall will not be enough to restore water levels. As reservoirs begin to drop and water restrictions take effect in some areas, authorities are urging the public to act now to conserve water and prevent a deeper crisis.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau (April 27, 2026) — Palau’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) announced Tuesday that the National Emergency Committee (NEC) has declared a “Water Shortage WATCH,” activating Stage 1 of the nation’s Drought Action Plan.
NEMO Executive Director Waymine Towai explained that the NEC met last week, drawing on assessments from the National Weather Office and Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC). This initial stage marks the first of three escalating levels of water shortage: Stage 1 (WATCH), Stage 2 (“WARNING”), and Stage 3 (“CRISIS”).
Maria Ngemaes, meteorologist in charge of Palau’s National Weather Service, warned in a radio broadcast yesterday that recent forecasts show a 61% probability of El Niño conditions. “While weather forecast also indicate 40% chance of rain for Wednesday through Friday this week, all future possibilities of rain in the coming days will not be sufficient enough to replenish Palau’s water sources to their normal levels,” she said, urging immediate conservation.
The NEMO notice highlighted drought conditions already gripping neighboring North Pacific nations, signaling similar risks for Palau’s island chains.
In the same radio broadcast, PPUC Safety Officer Paul Tellei reported that PPUC monitoring began April 13 across reservoirs nationwide. Delayed replenishment at Ngetmellasech Dam — which supplies five water tanks serving residents of Ngaraard, and Ngermetong, Ngerchelong — has triggered the implementation of water hours, shutting off supply from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Tellei also revealed that Hatohobei currently faces severe shortages, while Melekeok is under close watch as levels continues to drop. At Ngerimel Dam – serving Airai and Koror, water measurements taken by PPUC yesterday morning indicate that depth has fallen from the normal 15 feet to 13.66 feet placing the reservoir at 93% capacity. Tellei noted that “water has now been diverted from Ngerikiil river to Ngerimel to sustain this current level.”
Towai emphasized proactive steps: “while we are still in stage 1, the public is urged to take water conservation measures to conserve water and to report major water pipe leaks to PPUC.”
Joining the conservation efforts, the Division of Fire and Rescue, with the Environmental Quality Protection Board, enacted a burn ban to curb water-intensive firefighting. NEMO announcement also announced that “Non-essential water usage such as car washing and pressure washing are strongly discouraged until further notice.”
Towai said that the NEC will continue tracking PPUC data on reservoir levels and the intensity of public usage, and will issue public alerts if Stage 2 (“WARNING”) is triggered.
Towai reassured listeners of improved readiness since Palau’s last severe drought in 2016, “Over the years, many efforts were made to address future drought events and I can say that we are better prepared for droughts compared to 2016,” he said. He stated that during the major drought in 2016, water became so scarce that water trucks were deployed to some communities to distribute much needed water; he said that this time, we hope to avoid repeating such measures, aiming for expanded water hour at worst if drought conditions continues to persist.
In 2016, Palau experienced a major drought, prompting the declaration of a national emergency and water rationing to three hours a day.