Skip to main content

Country analysis

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.

(OCHA 24/03/2023, [NDMO Facebook 02/03/2023, IFRC 14/03/2023, IOM 28/03/2023, IPS 04/04/2023)

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.

(OCHA 24/03/2023, [NDMO Facebook 02/03/2023, IFRC 14/03/2023, IOM 28/03/2023, IPS 04/04/2023)

current crises
in Vanuatu


These crises have been identified through the INFORM Severity Index, a tool for measuring and comparing the severity of humanitarian crises globally.

Read more about the Index

VUT003 - Cyclone Judy and cyclone Kevin

Last updated 30/07/2023


Drivers

Cyclone

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

2.3 Medium

Access constraints

2.0

Analysis products
on Vanuatu

Vanuatu: the impact of cyclones Judy and Kevin

14 March 2023

Vanuatu: the impact of cyclones Judy and Kevin

DOCUMENT / PDF / 411 KB

Between 1–3 March 2023, a rare double cyclone event occurred involving two category 4 tropical cyclones, Judy and Kevin, hitting Vanuatu. Early estimates by local government authorities indicate that the cyclones have affected approximately 250,000 people, equivalent to more than 80% of the population. 

Natural hazards

Attached resources

Vanuatu: Tropical cyclone

15 March 2016

Vanuatu: Tropical cyclone

DOCUMENT / PDF / 669 KB

Category five Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu in the evening of 13 March 2015, with winds of more than 250km/hr and has affected the entire country, but particularly in the central and southern provinces. On 13 March, the Government issued a ‘red alert’ to all six provinces, advising people to seek shelter immediately.

Natural hazards
View more