“Disaster preparedness isn’t just about me—it’s about everyone in my family knowing what to do. This training has transformed how we approach emergencies, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my community.”

Disaster READY both facilitates and relies on excellent working relationships throughout our network of partners. In Solomon Islands, our partners are looking to each other to run trainings that tap into local knowledge to support communities in prepare for disasters.

Through an innovative savings scheme, Pastor Roney and other community members in Vanuatu save money together in small amounts and lend to each other when needs arise

In Vanuatu, the adoption of Kobo Collect, a mobile data tool, proved vital after the December 2024 earthquake. Despite challenges, trained locals swiftly gathered real-time damage data, aiding Disaster READY partners to coordinate an effective response.

“Before the Savings and Loans program started in our village, I had to carry water from the river in buckets to irrigate the crops in my backyard. It was incredibly difficult because I lacked a practical way to access water.” Learn how World Vision in Timor-Leste has used special funding to combat the impacts of El Nino.

“Updating our population data list is crucial to avoid repeating the same mistakes in future distributions.” Read how one Ni-Vanuatu woman’s understanding of data is ensuring no-one is being left behind.

With support from the Disaster READY program, Anita can now train others on how to identify risks caused by climate change.

“It has really made it easier for someone like me to have a bank account,” Rita said. “It’s also the first time for me to receive cash.” Read how cash and voucher assistance through Disaster READY is transforming the lives of women with disabilities.

"Together, with the support of our partners and the dedication of our community, we will build a future where Britano shines as a beacon of resilience and progress." Follow Jesse’s journey to become the chair of his community’s Community Disaster & Climate Change Committee.

In Papua New Guinea, Disaster READY’s Climate Change Adaptation programs are increasing women’s economic empowerment, tackling food insecurity, and providing and income to support children’s education.

The climate crisis is escalating at a rapid rate. Worsening weather events, propelled by climate change, are causing havoc in the poorest countries, who are least responsible for the emissions driving the climate disaster.

After returning from overseas seasonal work and attending a Haos Blong Yumi workshop, Greg Charlie was able to build a house for his family.

Before attending a Haos Blong Yumi workshop in Vanuatu, Sandy had no knowledge on how to build a climate-resilient, modern house. He now uses his skills to work in construction.

WITTT Sunshine has grown from a membership of three in 2018, to a network of 600 women with disability in Vanuatu. The group now plays an integral role in women-led, local, disability-inclusive disaster response.

How do you engage young people so they can better understand disaster risks and the need for preparedness? Through a new Disaster READY initiative, children in Solomon Islands are learning to properly assess their own safety in their everyday surroundings.

21-year-old Leonia is taking the lead on a savings and loans group that enables her community to prepare for disasters. With the support of Disaster READY, members can now plan ahead for food shocks and damage from storms.

In Timor-Leste, Disaster READY is working with local parishes to ensure communities are becoming more resilient and adaptive to the impacts of climate change.

As a woman with a disability, Angelina has become a vital voice in ensuring her remote community in Timor-Leste is ready to cope with the next disaster.

After Madalena received support through Disaster READY, she realised that she was in a position to help other women in her community.

On International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction, we recognise Early Warning Systems as vital component of DisasterPlanning and Preparedness.