World Vision Vanuatu prepares communities for Tropical Cyclone Pam
World Vision Vanuatu continues to prepare communities in the projected path of Cyclone Pam. Heavy rainfall is expected throughout northern Vanuatu with flooding and flash flooding expected over low lying areas.
A strong wind warning is current for all open waters of Vanuatu. A severe weather warning is also current for northern islands.
“The communities we work with have been advised of the threat and are preparing for the cyclone. World Vision has relief items already available in the capital, Port Vila and also on Santo Island in the north,” said Michael Wolfe, World Vision Vanuatu Country Director.
Relief items include tarpaulins, blankets, jerry cans; and hygiene, shelter and kitchen kits.
World Vision has relief items already available in the capital, Port Vila and also on Santo Island in the north. - Michael Wolfe, World Vision Vanuatu Country Director
Some 15 communities on Santo Island are part of a Community Based Disaster Risk Management project which has equipped people to prepare and respond to natural disasters. Three Area Councils have also been assisted to be ready.
World Vision Vanuatu’s Disaster Management team was activated on the weekend and all staff are on standby. World Vision is working closely with the Vanuatu Government through its Natural Disaster Management Office (NDMO), and the Vanuatu Humanitarian Team, an NGO co-ordination body.
Due to the remote locations World Vision works in Vanuatu, all community visits have been postponed this week. Staff are focusing on securing offices, ensuring their families are safe and planning potential response to the storm.
Solomon Islands has also felt the impact of Cyclone Pam with the islands of Malaita, Makira and Temotu experiencing heavy rainfall with gale force winds of more than 80 kmh.
World Vision Solomon Islands is liaising with the NDMO in Honiara and with other government bodies co-ordinating relief goods from various humanitarian agencies. At this stage, World Vision Solomon Islands is unlikely to co-ordinate an overall response. Rather, it will consider site- specific assistance within area programs.