One Year On From Back-To-Back Cyclones In Vanuatu

You’re helping families to rebuild and recover after disaster strikes.

Communities in Vanuatu are still recovering from the devastating impacts of damaging twin cyclones that hit in early March 2023, while also preparing themselves to face future climate emergencies, thanks to our supporters.

With the help of amazing people like you, we’ve been able to help remote communities across Vanuatu recover – and rebuild stronger.

Category Four Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin struck Vanuatu between 1 March and 3 March 2023, directly impacting more than 80% of the country’s population of about 320,000 people. The cyclone caused widespread destruction across the country, including schools and homes. This prompted the Government of Vanuatu to declare a six-month national state of emergency.

Your support provided Emele*, 39, and her family with tarpaulins after the roof of their home was destroyed during the cyclones.

“We’re still rebuilding houses while trying our best to survive at the same time... Life is still hard after the cyclones, even during the recovery stage and with the changes in climate,” she said.

Emele’s son Noa*, 11, who first spoke to the Save the Children team in the days after the twin cyclones and again more recently, said his school is still relying on the tarpaulins as several classrooms have not been rebuilt, adding that he is afraid of another cyclone hitting in the future.

Because of you, Save the Children can be there as soon as disasters hit and continue to be there for the children and families living on the frontline of these climate emergencies.

You’ve ensured we could send a mobile health and protection team with two doctors to remote communities in Vanuatu to provide general medical services, psychosocial support, dental services, eye health care, and ear, nose and throat services with the support of nurses from local health facilities.

And, alongside a range of partners including the Vanuatu Government, we’re helping schools and communities develop disaster preparedness plans and conduct drills to prepare for emergencies.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of cyclones across the Pacific and impacting children and families.’

With your help, we’ve been there to rebuild gardens and grow climate adapted crops, and we’re better prepared for the next disaster through a new food preservation project, harvesting and exporting local fruits, vegetables, chicken and fish to the capital Port Vila.

Once there, the modern food preservation technology is used to transform these ingredients into shelf-ready ration pack meals. The meals can be stored for two years ensuring the community can still access nutritious food even in the aftermath of future extreme weather events that may damage or destroy crops.

Read the latest press release: https://bit.ly/4c0q1rj