RMI - Weather

Hello Major John and Major Mark

This is to inform you that we are facing the beginnings of drought here in RMI. 

Ine and Arno Corps - have not had water in their catchments for some time. And have been asking their neighbors to provide water. 

We are sending both corps ten 5 gallon jugs by boat. This water is only a band-aid. However, we can refill them here as long as water is being sold in the community and as long as Ine and Arno return the jugs to us. 

If that becomes a problem we can dip into our catchments as long as there is water. 

Please remember that Marshallese cannot keep water for themselves - they are bound by custom to share whatever they have. So whatever we send will not just go to the officers and soldiers of the corps - but to whomever asks for water. 

Currently RMI Admin and Rita are OK. We are 68% full at 47,000 gallons. We treat the water with bleach each week. Although Judy and I don't drink catchment water it has been declared safe by the EPA in Majuro.

We go to RRE to get drinking water - so far this has not been a problem. But I have seen at least one water store saying they are without water. 

Dire predictions of El Nino caused drought have been coming since July. Right now this situation seems to be similar to other years - but we will see how things go. 

We will keep you updated!

God bless

johnb