Parts of Vanuatu have entered the first stage of drought after prolonged dry conditions reduced rainfall and water availability, prompting authorities to urge communities to conserve water.

The declaration affects areas where rainfall deficits have persisted in recent months, raising concerns for households, agriculture and communities that depend heavily on rainwater supplies.

According to Vanuatu’s meteorological authorities, the first-stage drought declaration is an early warning designed to encourage preparedness before conditions worsen.

Residents have been advised to manage water carefully, monitor official updates and prepare for the possibility of more severe drought measures if dry weather continues.

Radio New Zealand reported that the alert comes as El Niño conditions become established across the Pacific, increasing the likelihood of below-average rainfall in parts of Vanuatu.

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department has also warned that communities relying on rainwater should begin conserving supplies because the climate pattern is expected to strengthen in the coming months.

Drought remains a recurring challenge for many Pacific Island nations, where freshwater storage is limited and rural communities often rely on rooftop rainwater tanks. Extended dry periods can affect food security, livestock and public health, particularly on smaller islands with few alternative water sources.

Regional climate monitoring has also identified unusually dry conditions in parts of northern Vanuatu in recent months.

Officials will continue monitoring rainfall and water supplies before deciding whether additional drought stages are necessary.

The declaration serves as an early reminder of the growing influence of climate variability across the Pacific and the importance of preparedness as communities enter the region’s drier months.