In a statement published on Monday evening, Tuvalu’s head of state Tofiga Vaevalu Falani said the state of emergency would be restricted to the nation’s main island, Funafuti.

The decision was made in conjunction with prime minister Feleti Penitala Teo “in light of increasing instability in electricity generation and distribution systems, together with credible risks to fuel supply which collectively threaten the reliable delivery of essential services in Funafuti”.

Funafuti is home to Tuvalu’s capital and holds about two-thirds of the Pacific nation’s 10,000 citizens.

Falani said it had a “central role” in “national administration and service delivery”, and had to be protected.

Tuvalu is attempting to transition from diesel energy generation to 100% renewable solar by 2030, but still spends a large chunk of its annual budget on fossil fuels.

In 2021, Tuvalu spent the equivalent of 70% of its GDP on fossil fuels according to budget documents, but that has now dropped to about 25%.

Falani said the declaration would “enable the Government to take coordinated and immediate action to safeguard public welfare, ensure equitable access to critical services, and maintain national stability during this period of heightened risk”.

The declaration allows the government to tightly control the use of fuel and restrict travel.

Falani said the state of emergency will last for at least two weeks.