By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — The haze hanging over Palau in recent weeks is an unusual sight in a country scientists describe as having some of the cleanest air on Earth — and new measurements are helping explain where the pollution came from. Haze covers the island of Koror, showing contrast against Ngetmeduch. Haze […]
Tag: El Niño Palau
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Firefighters Battle Major Babeldaob Fires as Drought Raises Wildfire Risk
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (Aug. 20, 2026) — “Refrain from burning,” the Division of Fire and Rescue urged the public this week as firefighters responded to several fires across Babeldaob, including three major blazes that threatened homes amid ongoing El Niño conditions and drought. The division responded to numerous fire reports last week […]
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Palau Faces Very Dry Months as Strong El Niño Strengthens
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (August 13, 2026) – Palau is facing a high risk of unusually dry conditions beginning in September, with a strong El Niño expected to intensify and persist into early 2027, according to the latest Early Action Rainfall Watch. The rainfall outlook gives Palau a very high chance of very dry […]
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Palau NEC Activates Stage 1 of Nation’s Drought Action Plan “Water Shortage Watch”
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 […]
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Palau farmers react as dry spell raises early drought concerns, water rationing begins
By Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (April 23, 2026) — Weeks of little rainfall are raising early concerns of drought across Palau, with farmers already feeling the strain and questioning how to prepare as conditions remain uncertain. Water rationing has begun in northern states as officials respond to dwindling supplies. Authorities are urging residents to conserve […]