Tropical Cyclone Lusi - Mar 2014

On 11 Mar 2014, Tropical Cyclone Lusi was located about 30 km west-northwest of Vanuatu's Ambrym island (population 7,275) and 70 km southeast of Malekula island (22,902), and moving 12 km/h in a south-southeast direction. The cyclone strengthened to a Category 2 system in the afternoon with sustained winds of 95 km/h and momentary gusts of 140 km/h. Cyclone warnings were in place for Penama (30,819), Malampa (36,727) and Shefa (78,723) Provinces. (OCHA, 11 Mar 2014)

By 12 Mar, the cyclone had intensified to a Category 3 system and was moving away from Vanuatu. Three deaths had been confirmed and there were numerous reports of damage to houses and people sheltering in evacuation centers. Many coastal and low-lying communities were flooded, and there were concerns groundwater sources had been contaminated due to damaged water infrastructure. All provinces were reporting extensive damage to crops and fruit trees, including coconut, breadfruit, papaya, banana, manioc and yam. (OCHA, 12 Mar 2014)

By 17 Mar, there were 10 confirmed fatalities and an estimated 20,000 people had been affected to varying degrees across Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa and Shefa Province (OCHA, 17 Mar).

On 23 May, the Government launched the Humanitarian Action Plan.