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VANUATU'S FIRST DISASTER RISK REDUCTION CAMP
VANUATU'S FIRST DISASTER RISK REDUCTION CAMP
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ACCESS TO WATER IN AKHAMB COMMUNITY, MALEKULA: ...
ACCESS TO WATER IN AKHAMB COMMUNITY, MALEKULA: WORK IN PROGRESS
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VANUATU RED CROSS DENGUE FEVER SMS MESSAGE ...
VANUATU RED CROSS DENGUE FEVER SMS MESSAGE OUTBREAK
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DRR IN 10 COMMUNITY IN SANTO
DRR IN 10 COMMUNITY IN SANTO
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VACANCY NOTICE
VACANCY NOTICE

Tanna

Helping Communities Recover

Helping Communities Recover

On March 13th, 2015, approximately 66,000 people across Vanuatu, were left homeless when Cyclone Pam, a category 5 tropical storm, tore through the country.

When the cyclone struck, Luis Lomai was in her family home in Lamanian village in West Tanna, together with her husband, seven children and two grandchildren. They were soon forced to move elsewhere after the walls and roof of the house collapsed around them. Together the family dodged flying debris as they sought refuge in neighboring homes. They were forced to continue their flight three times after the winds tore apart each place where they sheltered.

Miraculously the family escaped the cyclone unscathed, but Luis and her family were left feeling defeated after seeing the damage the cyclone had caused to their home and garden.

Cyclone Pam: A Volunteer's Perspective

Cyclone Pam: A Volunteer's Perspective

Nelly Iaukelo, 33, and her husband Gaetan have been volunteering with Vanuatu Red Cross for over 3 years. “I like the Red Cross because they help people in the community and I’m interested in their work. I enjoy going out to communities I haven’t been before,” she said.

When Cyclone Pam came, Nelly’s home in the town of Lenakel (West Tanna) collapsed. “I saw my house had fallen down and I felt very sad. I cried with my children because we were very sorry for our house.”

CYCLONE ULA: LATEST UPDATE

A red alert has been issued by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department for TAFEA Province as Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Ula moves close to  Vanuatu's southern islands. Winds close to the centre are estimated at 165 kmph. 

Damaging gale force winds and heavy rainfall with possible flooding over low lying areas and areas close to the river banks are expected to affect TAFEA Province, particularly Futuna, Aneityum and possibly Tanna islands. Very rough to phenomenal seas with heavy swells are also expected. 

Red Cross is urging people in TAFEA Province to move to higher ground and safe shelter immediately, ensuring they take with them an emergency kit/supplies and that any elderly or disabled neighbours and/or family are accounted for. Listen for radio updates where possible.

Red Cross is on standby with relief supplies in place should they be required. 

(Updated 3:21pm Sunday 10th January)

VRCS assists cyclone-affected communities to deal with El Niño

VRCS assists cyclone-affected communities to deal with El Niño

Vanuatu Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department co-hosted a four-day climate workshop from November 11th-13th in Isangel (Tanna) aimed at increasing community awareness and understanding about the current El Niño weather event.

Many communities on Tanna Island face serious food and water shortages as a result of the current El Niño-related drought and lasting damage from Tropical Cyclone Pam.  The current El Niño event is one of the strongest global weather patterns on record and has resulted in drier-than-average conditions not only in Tanna, but Vanuatu-wide. Many of these drought-affected communities are still recovering after being severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Pam.

Safe Shelter Awareness Workshops, West Tanna

Safe Shelter Awareness Workshops, West Tanna

This week, a team of Vanuatu Red Cross trainers and volunteers commenced the facilitation of a series of ‘Safe Shelter Awareness’ workshops aimed at assisting 900 households in communities across West Tanna to rebuild their homes in a way that they will better resist future natural disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes.