Disaster response

Women play important role in Disaster Response

The Director General (DG) at the Prime Minister’s Office, Cherol Ala, described the ongoing disaster operations as “a (team sport) because when the government moves it connects all Government agencies, development partners, and non-government organizations.”

She said for the first time, Vanuatu adopted a different approach during the response and recovery process after a natural disaster.

“We have changed the old way of work (for the transition from response to recovery) from six months to three months” she said.

Vanuatu National WASH Emergency Operating Centre assists TC Harold victims

WASH support so far has been and is still ongoing in the form of emergency response of water trucking, bottled water and quick fix where possible to existing water systems.

Supplies of sanitation kits, hygiene kits, water tanks, water containers, collapsible water cans, jerry cans, chlorine tablets and water filters for drinking are also included in the response and the teams are working every day to distribute all available stock on the ground.

Study aims to improve response to menstrual hygiene needs in disaster settings in Vanuatu

The study will also explore challenges related to managing menstruation in disaster settings and how these might be addressed.

One hundred and ninety-two women and girls, including five persons with disability are participating in the study and are asked to trial a menstrual hygiene product (either disposable or re-useable pads) for two months and then shared their experience and thoughts on the product.

The study also asked women and girls for their ideas about what would make it easier for them to manage their menstruation in a disaster setting.

Disaster aid needs to target vulnerable - UN Women

Gender and protection advisor for UN Women in Vanuatu, Nim Khuman, said a disaster response should assess the needs of different groups, especially those who are vulnerable.

Women and girls are particularly at risk in these situations but disability, age, sexual orientation, income levels and location can also affect how people cope with disasters, she said.

Vanuatu Gender and Cluster Protection reps on regional learning tour

The team will visit Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

The learning tour will also provide the representatives the opportunity to share their experiences about women and girl’s participation in disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Vanuatu’s Gender and Protection Cluster is a group made up of government and civil society organisations that focus efforts on protecting the livelihoods and safety of the most vulnerable in the face of disasters.

ADB gives $200,000 grant to help Vanuatu volcano disaster response

The grant, provided by the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will help fund the Vanuatu Manaro Volcano Disaster Response Project.

On 26 September, a state of emergency for Ambae Island was declared by the Government of Vanuatu and a mass evacuation of the island’s entire population of 11,000 was called. People from the western and northern parts of the island were evacuated to Santo Island, while people from the eastern part were evacuated to Maewo and Pentecost islands. The Manaro volcano’s increased activity has contaminated many of the island’s water resources. 

Digital 'warehouse' to help Vanuatu respond to natural disasters

The Red Cross hopes to address that by linking with aid agencies and local communities via an online digital 'warehouse'.

Astrid Boulekone, the General Manager of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the initiative will help all people and organisations involved in disaster response work.

Boulekone told Pacific Beat the platform will allow NGO’s to communicate directly with local suppliers about their orders for the supply of items.

She said the local suppliers could include retailers, wholesalers, hardware shops and suppliers of agriculture products.