Vanuatu

Between 1–3 March 2023, two successive category 4 cyclones named Judy and Kevin hit Vanuatu, affecting over 250,000 individuals. The most affected provinces were Tafea and Shefa, where the capital city, Port Vila, is situated. The cyclones destroyed 90% of the houses in these provinces. Other affected provinces include Malampa, Penama, Sanma, and Torba. In response to the significant impact of the cyclones, the Republic of Vanuatu declared a six-month state of emergency across the country on 2 March. The cyclones caused significant damage to homes, critical infrastructure, and hospitals, resulting in devastating effects on families. The cyclones also damaged most roads and caused power outages, making communication to remote communities difficult. Farmers in some provinces have also reported the total devastation of their crops, leading to food shortages in the coming weeks and worsening the situation. ?

The urgent needs of the people affected by the cyclones in Vanuatu include shelter, food, WASH services, medical supplies, and education. The cyclones also displaced thousands. As at 24 March, 2,929 people were still living in evacuation centres and with host families. The cyclones caused severe damage to agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, which three quarters of the population relied on for their livelihoods. The disruption of WASH services has left many without access to safe drinking water, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases. Evacuation centres have reported cases of unvaccinated children, pregnant women in need of antenatal care, and individuals suffering from diseases such as scabies, yaws, and diarrhoea needing immediate attention. The cyclones also damaged schools and disrupted the education of thousands of children.?