Tuvalu on world map
© TOBSTuvalu on world map
A New Zealand Defence Force C-130 arrived in Tuvalu Monday afternoon to deliver Red Cross supplies and personnel to address severe water shortages on the South Pacific Island.

Months of below average rainfall have resulted in severe water shortages on the island, which boasts a population of just under 10,500.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said Monday: "Tuvalu has declared a state of emergency relating to water shortages in the capital, Funafuti, and a number of outer islands.

"A New Zealand Defence Force C-130 left this morning to take supplies and personnel to Tuvalu. The supplies include two desalination units as well as water containers. Two Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff on board, including our Wellington-based High Commissioner, will remain in Tuvalu to help assess needs on the ground.

"New Zealand will be working with partners and other donors to consider the best medium-to-long-term response options", Minister McCully added.

Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean. Its nearest neighbours are Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa and Fiji. It comprises four reef islands and five true atolls. Its population of 10,472 makes it the third-least populous sovereign state in the world.

Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu
© Stefan LinsA beach at Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu.