VRCS TC Judy & TC Kevin Response: March 2023

Between 1 and 5 March 2023, the Vanuatu islands were hit by two (2) consecutive Category 4 Tropical Cyclones: Judy & Kevin. There was widespread damage to various islands throughout Vanuatu. Authorities reported that some 250,000 people were affected, representing 80% of the population affected. Despite power outages and communication challenges following the cyclones, the Vanuatu Red Cross Society activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and initiated its response immediately after.

After 1 month of disaster response operations, we have managed to reach over 10,000 people in the provinces of SHEFA, MALAMPA and TAFEA. Hundreds of our volunteers have been deployed to assess damages, collect data and eventually distribute relief items to vulnerable families. Relief items include shelter items, health and hygiene kits, solar lanterns and dignity kits.

Here below is an infographic showing details of the VRCS response in March 2023:

Overall data for response in March 2023

---

Informative map highlighting areas of VRCS response

Vanuatu: One month on since double cyclones, rising cases of Leptospirosis a concern

PRESS RELEASE: There are grave concerns over the increase in Leptospirosis cases, a bacterial disease, one month on from the double category 4 cyclones in Vanuatu.

The country has reported 19 new cases of Leptospirosis and three deaths since the cyclone passed. The majority of cases have been in Santo and Efate islands, with a few cases in Malekula, Pentecost, Malo and Erromango.

Read full press release here: https://www.ifrc.org/press-release/vanuatu-one-month-double-cyclones-rising-cases-leptospirosis-concern?fbclid=IwAR0xL-ut4gMGo2iapND9D-OLkRXMiGfStOtr5zryz5W35lmX-49u_cHP8c0

Lulu Vuti, 53, from North Efate receives relief items from Vanuatu Red Cross volunteers after double cyclones devastated his community.

Photo: Philippe Carillo / IFRC

Vanuatu: Urgent need for shelter and clean drinking water after double cyclones

PRESS RELEASE: There is an urgent need for shelter and clean drinking water as hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by back-to-back cyclones in communities across Vanuatu.

Hundreds of people are still seeking shelter in evacuation centres as some have had their houses damaged or completely destroyed.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/bdfh6c8d

Vanuatu Red Cross volunteers Jeff and Hilda conduct damage assessments and relief distribution in Bladiniere, Port Vila.

Photo: Philippe Carillo / IFRC

MOTA communities receive water - Torba Province

By Glenda Willie - Daily Post Newspaper

As of last Friday, the Government, in collaboration with the Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS), made six boat trips from Sola to Mariu village, one of the 11 villages on the island, to supply water.

This is to ensure the people have access to safe and clean drinking water.

Mota communities are affected by drought conditions resulting in water shortage.

A water tank of 1,100 litres was placed at the shores of Mariu village and the response team filled jerry cans from Sola and refilled the tank on Mariu, for each respective community.

Red Cross Branch Officer for TORBA Province, Keith David, explained that each community would have their turns to fetch their water from the tank at Mariu.

He said the water tank was placed at Mariu because this particular village has easy boat access to the beach.

Last Friday, the response team, which also included the VRCR volunteers, transported 740 litres of water for Liwotqwei Village. This village has the highest population, compared to other villages on Mariu.

All the water tanks in this community were empty, therefore, the people had to walk very long distances for more than an hour to fetch their water from a creek at Tanarosa village.

John Laurence, a father from the community expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the government and VRCS for responding to their need for water.

The people had to collect water from the creeks but it is not healthy and safe for drinking.

He said the people drink coconut or sugarcane to quench their thirst.

Mr. Laurence cannot say exactly how long the water will last as it depends on how each household from their community will be using it.

Emergency Response Report

TROPICAL CYCLONE PAM

3 Months on from Cyclone Pam and progress has been made to help those most affected by it's devastating force. Read more in the Vanuatu Red Cross Society Tropical Cyclone Pam Emergency Response Report.