Drought — Micronesia, Guam

2020-11-01 to 2020-11-30 · Micronesia, Guam

Event narrative

Kapingamarangi received 2.26 inches of rain on 11/25 from spotty downpours associated with a trade-wind disturbance. This 2.26 inches on 11/25 is more rainfall in one day than the island received during the month of September, October and most of November combined. This rainfall was the only rain for the entire month. Despite this rainfall it is only 29 % of normal.

Kapingamarangi remains in D4 (Exceptional Drought). A task force was sent down from Pohnpei to Kapingamarangi to assess the conditions and bring supplies. The task force reported taro patches and coconuts were half damaged while banana and breadfruit were fully damaged. The local water supply remains unsafe to drink and saltwater has infiltrated the wells. Residents, especially the elderly, are afflicted with gastrointestinal illness and skin sores. It is estimated that the current food and water supply will last about a month. Moral amongst the residents is still moderate to high.

Wider weather episode

One location in Micronesia remains in drought conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 924463. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.