Palau Tourism Arrivals Continue To Decline In Early 2016
After growing strongly in 2015, tourism arrivals on Palau during the first five months of 2016 have fallen to at least 21 percent and are expected to continue to decline for the rest of the year, according to the latest Palau Visitors Authority Visitors Arrival report. Tourists walking the main shopping area in downtown Koror. Photo by Ongerung Kambes Kesolei The latest May 2016 arrivals posted the lowest for this year with 9,602 compared to 15,705 of May 2015. The report sta
Water Service Back to 24/7
Substantial amount of rainfall these past several days have allowed Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) to resume 24-hour water service to Koror and Airai residents. Rains alleviate El-Nino induced drought in Palau. Photo by Ongerung Kambes Kesolei The latest change removing water restriction is effective today, May 9, for Koror-Airai Public Water Supply System customers. “Due to all the recent rainfall, water levels have increased at the two water sources for Koror and
State of Emergency Declaration vs Presidential Directive
President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., explains at the press conference yesterday why the presidential directive he issued on 18 April 2016 is not the same as the declaration of the state of emergency, in which he sought and failed to get a second extension. #Drought #OlbiilEraKelulau #ElNino #PresidentTommyRemengesau #Pacific
Remengesau Gives His Statement at the Emergency Leadership Meeting
At the Drought National Emergency Leadership Meeting, April 13, Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr., explains the need for another extension of the State of Emergency Declaration. #Drought #PresidentTommyRemengesau #Pacific #Palau
Palau Red Cross Lists 201 People in Critical Need of Water
Number Expected to Increase The Palau Red Cross Society has identified a total of 201 vulnerable members of the community who require daily distribution of water. Clarence Masayos, Executive Director of Red Cross said great need for water became apparent during their initial assessment on April 2. Assessments were conducted on homebound citizens and elderlies listed in Red Cross, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs’ records. The organization
International Relief Organizations and Development Partners Respond to Palau’s Drought Emergency
Development partners, friends and international relief organizations are extending assistance to Palau as water supply levels remain low and insufficient to meet daily demands. The government of Japan on April 8 handed over water purifiers, jerry cans and water tanks that will be utilized in “the most affected areas where water doesn’t reach through transmission systems” said Olkeriil Kazuo, Press Secretary and Public Information Officer for the National Emergency Committee (
Tourism Push For Drought-Stricken Palau
Drought-hit Palau is hoping that the water crisis on the island would not discourage tourists from visiting the island. Although water restrictions put in place last month also affected the business sector, the National Emergency Committee has been providing relief through setting up of water stations, deliveries to parched areas including hotels and restaurants. Chinese tourists returning from a day's excursion to the rock islands. Photo by Ongerung Kambes Kesolei “The touri
Rains This Week In Drought-Stricken Palau
Rain forecast this week is likely to bring relief to drought-stricken Palau. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) April 10 weather forecasts, Palau would be experiencing “mostly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms.” Ngerimel reservoir half-full with 10 feet of water. Photo by Ongerung Kambes Kesolei The isolated shower and slight chance of thunderstorm, according to the forecast will last until Friday. But the drought is far from
Media Tours PPUC Well Facilities
A media tour organized by Palau Public Utilities Corporation visited several locations of wells that are being developed or have come online to supplement the 500,000 gallons from Ngerikiil river that is being treated and distributed throughout the Koror-Airai Public Water Supply System. PPUC's Director of Administration Tmetuchl Baules who organized the tour yesterday, disclosed that some of the five wells in various locations in the vicinity of Ngerikiil River intake and Ng
Jellyfish Population Decreasing at Jellyfish Lake Due to Drought
90 percent of the jellyfish have disappeared since November 2015 The numbers of golden jellies in Jellyfish Lake has been declining rapidly since November 2015, from an average of 8 million to the most recent March population estimate of only about 600,000 jellies. Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF) continues to monitor Jellyfish Lake at this critical period during El Niño. The population of endemic golden jellies, Mastigias papua etpisoni, in Jellyfish Lake is rapidly de
