Vanuatu: Tropical Cyclone Judy and Tropical Cyclone Kevin: Situation Report No. 3 (as of 16 March 2023)

This report is produced by OCHA Office of the Pacific Islands in collaboration with humanitarian partners under the Pacific Humanitarian Team. It covers the period from 13 to 16 March 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tropical cyclones JUDY and KEVIN (both of Cat4 intensity) made landfall over Vanuatu on the 1st and 3rd March.

• Visit of the RC to Vanuatu to discuss the ongoing cyclone response with the Government of Vanuatu (Gov), humanitarian partners, affected populations, the donor community, and regional organizations.

• As of 16th March, most of the Rapid Assessments have been received by the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and are currently being compiled.

• All ports are now operational across the country.

• 89% of Vanuatu Aerial Road Network is now accessible; 81% of Vanuatu Outer Island Airports are operational for emergency purposes.

• “First Push” dry food rations distribution started on 15th of March for Priority areas 1 and 2 (targeting 37,875 households), coordinated by NDMO and implemented through the National Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (FSAC). Food items to compose food rations are in short supply within Vanuatu.

• Estimated cost to provide food assistance and NFIs to 66,983 households (total estimated number of households in needs of food assistance) is 1,004,751,000 vatu ($8.5 million USD).

• 37 health facility assessments have been conducted in Shefa, Tafea and Malampa provinces; distribution of medicines and medical supplies is ongoing.

• Although 60% of the electricity power supply has been restored in urban settlements, there are areas of Vanuatu which remain without power following the impact of the cyclones.

• Number of people in the Evacuation Centers in Shefa and Tafea: 4,293. Evacuation Centers assessments ongoing since 14th March.

• Distribution of Jerry Cans, hygiene kits, and water in Tafea and Shefa completed on the 14th March.

• Distributions of Non-Food Items (NFI) ongoing in the affected provinces, coordinated by NDMO.