Kathmandu. Tuvalu is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean. It is facing the terrible blows of climate change. Its entire population faces the threat of sinking.
Now the world’s first planned national migration is starting. A total of 5,157 visa applications , which began on June 16, have registered for asylum in Australia.
Applications were closed on July 18. Each year, 280 people from Tuvalu will be able to travel to Australia. All this is happening due to the terrible effects of climate change.
Tuvalu is located between Australia and Hawaii. It is made up of nine lower atolls (islands surrounded by coral reefs). Its average height is only 6 feet (2 meters). The highest point is only 15 feet (4.5 m).
In the last 30 years, sea level has increased by 6 inches (15 centimeters). Scientists say that by 2050, half of Tuvalu will be submerged in water. By 2100, more than 90% of the land could disappear. ’
At the same time, storms, floods and tidal waves are destroying Tuvalu. Salt water from the sea is entering freshwater wells. Which is ruining drinking water and crops. People are forced to raise their crops above the ground, but this also does not work for long.
According to NASA, by 2050, half of the capital, which accounts for 60% of the population, will be submerged in water every day. The whole country may one day turn into soil.
In 2023, Australia and Tuvalu signed the Falapili Union Treaty to deal with this terrible situation. Which came into effect in 2024. This is the world’s first such deal. Which plans the migration of the entire country affected by climate change.
Under the treaty, 280 people from Tuvalu can travel to Australia each year. Visa registration was done from June 16 to July 18. In the first four days, 3125 people had applied. So far, 5,157 people have tried their luck. That’s about half of the country’s population (11,000).
People from Tuvalu can stay in Australia with this visa. They can work. They can study. They can get the same health and education facilities as Australians. They can return to Tuvalu whenever they want. But hopes of returning to a sinking country are dwindling.
The Australian government said it was a way to “move with pride”. Because climate change is destroying the lives, security and future of these people.
Climate change has put Tuvalu in dire straits. Rising seawater is not only devouring the land but also destroying the means of life such as fishing. Coral reefs are being destroyed. Who protected marine life and coasts.
People are losing their homes. The food and water crisis is deepening. Scientists say that in 80 years, tuvalu will not be fully habitable. Even thinking that the whole country can disappear makes one tremble. ’
