Background

Palau, archipelago of more than 500 islands in the Pacific Ocean, is highly vulnerable to recurring extreme weather events and natural hazards—such as droughts, earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions—that can result in casualties, displacement, and other humanitarian impacts. Due to climate change, hydrometeorological disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity. As small island nations, Pacific Island countries are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme weather events, with population centers and public infrastructure largely located in coastal areas.