Tuvalu has declared a state of emergency on Funafuti island for two weeks because of risks to fuel and electricity supply.
Tuvalu’s country’s Head of State Sir Rev Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo, declared a State of Public Emergency for Funafuti on Monday in light of increasing instability in electricity generation and distribution systems.
The state of emergency is deemed necessary because of the credible risk to fuel supplies, which collectively threaten the reliable delivery of essential services in Funafuti and, by extension, across Tuvalu given the central role of Funafuti in national administration and service delivery.
Minister for Transport, Energy Communication and Innovation in the Teo Ministry Simon Kofe, held a press conference addressing local media and the people of Tuvalu.
The declaration was made as a time-bound and necessary measure to enable the Government to take coordinated and immediate action to safeguard public welfare, ensure equitable access to critical services, and maintain national stability during this period of heightened risk.
The declaration took effect from Monday 13 April and will remain in force for a period of 14 days unless sooner revoked or varied.
