Rapid financing will help protect communities and maintain critical services as the country responds to concurrent crises
MAJURO, Nov 3, 2026 — The World Bank Group has released US$11 million to support the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ response to the impacts of El Niño conditions and an ongoing dengue outbreak. The contingent financing follows a State of Emergency declared by the Government on October 8, 2026.
El Niño conditions have brought hazardous winds and ocean swells and increasingly dry conditions, putting pressure on water supplies, food security and livelihoods. At the same time, the outbreak has affected Majuro and Ebeye, placing additional pressure on health services and government resources.
“For families across the Marshall Islands, El Niño and dengue are putting added pressure on daily life and the services they rely on,” said Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Group Director for the South and North Pacific. “This rapid financing is about getting support to communities when they need it most while keeping the critical services people depend on running.”
The US$11 million is being provided through the Marshall Islands’ Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option, a pre-arranged source of financing that can be accessed when a qualifying emergency occurs. The financing was released following the Government’s request and declaration of a State of Emergency.
The drawdown builds on steps the Marshall Islands has already taken to strengthen its ability to respond quickly to shocks. Earlier this year, the Government became the first country in East Asia and the Pacific region to activate the World Bank Group’s Contingent Emergency Response Project, mobilizing US$3.6 million from its existing World Bank Group portfolio to help households cope with the impacts of the fuel crisis.
“This financing demonstrates the value of preparing before a crisis occurs,” said Hon. David Paul, Minister of Finance, Republic of the Marshall Islands. “By strengthening our financial preparedness in advance, the Marshall Islands is able to access resources quickly when emergencies arise and respond more effectively to protect communities and maintain essential services.”
The World Bank Group continues to work with the Government of the Marshall Islands to strengthen disaster risk management and public financial management, helping the country withstand future shocks while protecting the foundations for growth, jobs and opportunity. Technical assistance to support the Government is being provided by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).
