World Vision Vanuatu prepares for Tropical Cyclone Pam

World Vision Vanuatu prepares communities for Tropical Cyclone Pam

World Vision Vanuatu continues to prepare communities in the projected path of Cyclone Pam.

The weather system has been upgraded to a category four storm, as it moves in a south-easterly direction to waters between Vanuatu and Fiji.

Heavy rainfall is expected throughout northern Vanuatu, with flooding and flash flooding expected in low-lying areas.

“The communities we work with have been advised of the threat, and are preparing for the cyclone. World Vision has relief items already available in the capital (Port Vila) and also on Santo Island in the north,” says Michael Wolfe, World Vision Vanuatu Country Director.

Relief items include tarpaulins, blankets and hygiene, shelter and kitchen kits.

Some 15 communities on Santo Island are part of World Vision’s Community Based Disaster Risk Management project which has equipped people to prepare and respond to natural disasters.

World Vision Vanuatu’s Disaster Management team has been on standby since the weekend. The aid and development agency is working closely with the Vanuatu Government and the Vanuatu Humanitarian Team, an NGO co-ordination body.

Solomon Islands has also felt the impact of Cyclone Pam with the islands of Malaita, Makira and Temotu experiencing heavy rainfall with gale force winds of more than 80 kmh.

World Vision Solomon Islands is liaising with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in Honiara which is co-ordinating relief goods from various humanitarian agencies.

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