According to Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office, more than 250,000 people have been affected, i.e. nearly 80% of the country’s population.
First Judy, then Kevin
Less than a week after Hurricane Judy forced residents to evacuate the capital, Port Vila, they were then hit by Hurricane Kevina Category four storm bringing heavy rain and winds measured at more than 230 km/h, or 142 mph.
Vanuatu’s 13 islands were then hit by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake occurred 90 kilometers from the second largest city, Luganville.
A state of emergency was declared on March 3.
Connection challenge
Initial reports indicated that homes, livelihoods and power lines have been damagedbut impact assessment has been hindered by connection problems related to the emergency.
The UN intervention came at the request of the authorities in Vanuatu, the aid coordination office confirmed, OCHAsaid on Thursday that eight staff had been deployed to the capital, Port Vila, to support the Government-led response.
“This deployment follows a dispatch from Prime Minister Vanuatu, Hon. Alatoi Ishmael Kalsahau, welcome support and help from the Pacific Humanitarian Group (PHT)regional coordinating body of the international community, including UN humanitarian agencies, international NGOs and the Red Cross Movement”, United Nations Acting Resident Coordinator in Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu, Alpha Bah said.
© UNICEF/Sheenal Sharma
Vanuatu in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.
alignment support
He added that the UN teams will continue to follow instructions established by Vanuatu’s National Office of Disaster Management and the Government,”to ensure our support aligns with their recovery priorities.”
The worst-affected areas by far are Shefa and Tafea, Penama and Malampa, northern and western Penama provinces, and Sanma and Torba provinces, the UN team said.
OCHA
Vanuatu humanitarian snapshot in the aftermath of tropical storms Judy and Kevin since March 8.
