Vanuatu – Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin
Above: World Vision handing over Family Hygiene Kits to Wan Smol Bag to distribute to community members in their evacuation centre. Photo: World Vision Vanuatu.
In the first three days of March 2023, Vanuatu was hit by two Category 4 cyclones which tracked similar paths across the length of the country, most severely affecting Shefa and Tafea provinces, with some impact in parts of Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malekula.
The cyclones caused widespread damage affecting approximately 80% of the population, as estimated by Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). Even though there were no casualties, families lost parts or all their homes, suffered damage or total loss of gardens, and experienced flooding in low-lying areas.
Save the Children supporting with distribution of relief materials at Nukuonapo Community in Teuma Valley. Photo: Elisa Mondou, Save the Children Vanuatu
Above: A mother and her three children receiving shelter and hygiene supplies at a distribution. Photo: Save the Children Vanuatu
Above: Action Aid handing over 100 Dignity Kits to their partner, Vanuatu Young Women for Change, for distribution. Photo: Roslyn Tari, ActionAid Vanuatu.
The AHP Response
The Australian Government announced a package of assistance to the Government of Vanuatu, including AUD $3.35 million for a year-long Australian Humanitarian Partnership activation focusing on the most severely affected areas.
Initial response activities were funded through use of pivoted AHP Disaster READY program funds, and all partners in Vanuatu are responding collectively, drawing on the foundations for collaboration, preparedness and response established through the first five years of the AHP Disaster READY program.
Active AHP partners in Vanuatu include Action Aid, CARE, CAN DO, Oxfam, Save the Children and World Vision, all supported by their Australia-based affiliates.
Initial activities have been focused on the early recovery of affected communities. Working in close coordination and under the leadership of the national government, AHP partners have supported rapid need assessments; procurement, release and distribution of pre-positioned humanitarian supplies; and support to evacuation centres.
Longer-term response and recovery activities include improving nutrition, agriculture, education, protection mechanisms and livelihoods, with a special focus on vulnerable groups including women, girls, and people with disability and their carers.
These activities will aim to provide improved access to essential services, counselling, psychosocial support, referrals, family and child friendly spaces, and cash assistance. Partners will work through existing government and community structures, including women-led groups and networks.
AHP partners will continue to engage in provision of clean water and improved sanitation; education in emergencies and multi- purpose cash assistance.
As in previous responses, AHP partners will work in partnership with other actors and organisations such as Red Cross Vanuatu and local civil society, with a particular focus on improving coordination and response capacity. In addition, partners will expand on Disaster READY activities in areas and provinces where they have existing presence and relationships.