Drought conditions in parts of the Micronesia region have been upgraded from severe to extreme.
The US Drought Monitor has upgraded drought conditions in the Federated States of Micronesia from severe to extreme, on the island state of Yap. Also facing extreme drought is the atoll of Wotje in the Marshall Islands.
Assessment teams and residents from Yap state are reporting agricultural strain, with taro patches drying up, coconuts drying out, and crops yellowing.
Also under severe drought are Guam, Palau and parts of the Commonwealth of the Marianas.
Landon Aydlett, meteorologist for Guam's National Weather Service, said that this was expected.
"The caveat with this dry season drought period of El Nino, is we're not expecting it to be quite as robust or long-lasting, Aydlett said.
Several state disaster coordinating offices, including USAID and the International Organization for Migration, are assisting with ongoing efforts to get relief supplies to islands in need.
