Family Leaves Tuvalu Due to Rising Sea Levels

Climate change is a big issue.

It's Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 3:27 pm.

Sisters Poeva and Akesa say life in Tuvalu is beautiful.

Akesa says they have coconut trees.

When it's hot, people in Tuvalu like to swim and fish.

Poeva says their traditional food, language, and dance are important.

Tuvalu is a Pacific nation with nine small islands and 11,000 people.

Tuvalu is made up of nine small islands.

The country is disappearing, and its people are worried about their future.

Many Tuvaluans are leaving their home country.

Poeva's family moved to Australia for better education and work.

They also moved because of climate change and to feel safer.

Akesa says strong winds are destroying houses and the sea level is rising.

Akesa doesn't want to see her country disappear.

Akesa is worried about Tuvalu's future.

Tuvalu is only 4.5 meters above sea level, and the low-lying islands are suffering.

By 2050, half of the capital will be flooded, and weather events are eroding the coasts.

Some experts say Tuvalu could be uninhabitable by 2100.

Tuvalu is building new land, but most people are applying to relocate to Australia.

Tuvaluan leaders asked for help, and in 2023, they made an agreement with Australia.

Australia promised to help Tuvalu adapt to climate change and migrate to Australia.

Last year, over 8,000 people applied for visas to Australia.

Manu Puafolau was one of the first to get a visa and now lives in South Australia.

Manu says life in Tuvalu is special because the ocean is always nearby.

Every day in Tuvalu, the ocean is right there.

Climate change is affecting Tuvalu, causing erosion and taking land.

Manu is happy in Australia but worries about maintaining his culture.

Culture is very important to Manu.

Without culture, it's hard to navigate life.

Australia is a different world for Manu.

Faith and family are central to Tuvaluan culture.

In Tuvalu, there are meeting places where people gather to learn about culture.

These meeting places are special for learning about Tuvaluan life.

Not everything can be replicated in Australia.

It's hard to teach kids about Tuvaluan culture in a new country.

There are about 30 Tuvaluan migrants in Naracoorte, making it easier to maintain culture.

The kids need to learn about their culture.

Maintaining culture helps with identity.

Poeva and Akesa are part of the Naracoorte community and are adjusting to life in Australia.

Akesa struggles with the weather and misses her friends and family.

Some friends are moving to New Zealand or Fiji, while others are staying.

Poeva misses the close community and being surrounded by culture.

The sisters want to keep their Tuvaluan culture strong.

Poeva wants to keep her culture alive.

They maintain their language and traditions at home.

Poeva hopes people understand they moved for safety and opportunities, not to leave their culture.

Check out other stories.

Poeva's family moved to Australia for a better life.

See more ABC coverage.

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