NASA warns Pacific island nations at risk of severe flooding

Under different emissions scenarios, the researchers project sea levels to rise in Tuvalu, Kiribati, Fiji and Nauru, with some countries experiencing localized flooding several times a year, while others could be flooded for nearly half the year.

Tuvalu - with an average elevation of only about 2 meters above sea level - is at greatest risk, as most of the island nation could be submerged. Currently, 2 of Tuvalu's 9 islands have "disappeared" most of their area.

Even in the best-case scenario, if global temperatures only rise by a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius, sea levels would still rise 23cm by 2054.

Based on current developments, Tuvalu could see sea levels rise by up to 27cm and possibly up to 30cm in the worst case scenario.

Sea level rise is often uneven across regions due to ice melting and coastal topography, but the projections for the Pacific islands are "surprisingly consistent," said NASA researcher Ben Hamlington.

Although the government has taken measures such as relocating villages from flood-prone areas, more than 600 communities may still be forced to move in the coming days, according to Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo.

With nearly 1 billion people living in low-lying coastal areas around the world, the situation is becoming increasingly worrying as climate change continues to threaten the economies and very existence of many nations. Experts warn this could be a “defining moment” for Pacific nations in responding to the challenge.