Leveraging technology to enhance community disaster preparedness and response

By Glen Pakoa, Communications Coordinator, Oxfam in Vanuatu

Evline shares her insights during the Lessons Learned Workshop for all CDCCC leads of South Efate, conducted by Oxfam in Port Vila. IMAGE: Glen Pakoa/Oxfam

Evline is the Chairwoman of the Teouma Fork Road Community Disaster & Climate Change Committee (CDCCC). With support from the AHP’s Disaster READY program, Evline and her husband Andrew have helped their community better prepare to respond to disasters. Since 2020, they have collaborated with Oxfam on Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) initiatives, which have in turn proven crucial, particularly during events like the 2024 earthquake. In 2021, the community participated in a cyclone simulation organized by Oxfam, which improved their readiness for severe weather. The simulation and CBDRR workshops provided valuable practice and enhanced coordination for crisis management. These trainings were especially vital following twin cyclones, Judy and Kevin, in 2023, which caused significant agricultural damage.

Technology has also been pivotal for disaster response management Evline and Andrew’s community. A key tool introduced by Oxfam was Kobo Collect, a mobile-based app for rapid post-disaster assessments. This tool was also used following the 2024 earthquake. Evline and Andrew had attended training on Kobo Collect in November 2024, just weeks before the 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck. They quickly mobilised to conduct damage assessments using the app, and gathered real-time data on the extent of the destruction.

"The training was still fresh in our memories,” Evline said. “And we used what we had learned to collect data and provide it to Oxfam. All the necessary assessment questions were already inside the Kobo Collect app that Oxfam helped us install in our phones."

Andrew and Evline, alongside other CDCCC members from various communities, participating in a disability-inclusive CBDRR training in 2024.  IMAGE: Glen Pakoa/Oxfam

Despite challenges such as damaged bridges and the distance from Port Vila, the app meant Evline’s community was one of the first to provide critical data to Oxfam and partners. The data collected by Evline and Andrew was crucial in shaping the earthquake response. Their efforts ensured decision-makers had accurate, real-time information, enabling a more coordinated and effective response, particularly in evacuation centres in Teouma and South Efate. This highlights the importance of community-led disaster preparedness and the effectiveness of CBDRR training. By equipping local leaders with tools like Kobo Collect, Disaster READY, via Oxfam and partners, empowered communities to act quickly and gather vital data, improving disaster response coordination.

The experience also highlights the role of technology in disaster management. Mobile data collection tools allow communities to gather accurate information quickly, ensuring that response efforts are based on up-to-date data. This not only supports immediate disaster responses but also contributes to building long-term resilience in Vanuatu.

Andrew and another CDCCC members participate in a hands-on Kobo Collect practical session during the November 2024 training, just weeks before the December earthquake. IMAGE: Glen Pakoa

"Using mobile phones to collect data is much faster and easier than doing it on paper,” Andrew said. “We live in a remote area, deep in the bush, where paper can easily get lost or damaged by water." The use of technology, particularly Kobo Collect, has significantly enhanced disaster preparedness and response in Teouma Fork Road. Local leaders' swift adoption of this tool shows the impact of training and technology in improving disaster resilience. Equipping communities with the right tools and knowledge, strengthens local capacity and ensures communities are better prepared to face future challenges. This approach not only supports immediate responses but also lays the foundation for long-term resilience against disasters across Vanuatu.