Tropical Cyclone Kevin - Mar 2023

Tropical cyclone KEVIN-23 formed on March 1, 2023, over the South Pacific Ocean between Vanuatu and Caledonia and is moving southeast over the Vanuatu Islands. On 3 March at about 06:00 UTC, the centre of the KEVIN-23 cyclone was located offshore approximately 85 km west of Port Vila with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h and heavy rainfall. The cyclone came just a couple of days after Tropical Cyclone JUDY-23. (UNOSAT, 3 Mar 2023)

According to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), a total of 148,981 people (46% of the total population) have been affected by the cyclones at Category 3 and 4, with 29,794 households impacted, including an estimated 58,000 children under 15. The worst-affected provinces are Shefa, Penama, and Malapa. Access to safe water is a critical need as no running water is available in the main affected areas. Education and healthcare have also been severely impacted, with schools remaining closed and some healthcare facilities damaged. (UNICEF, 4 Mar 2023)

Tropical cyclone KEVIN impacted Vanuatu from the north-west to the south-east since 3 to 4 March - as category 4. The whole population of Vanuatu was impacted by winds of more than 60 km/h. About 251,346 persons were impacted by cyclone winds of category 2 to 4 (more than 80% of the population). About 150,000 persons (30,000 households) were impacted by cyclone winds of category 3 to 4 that triggered a national response. (ECHO, 6 Mar 2023)

Tropical cyclones JUDY and KEVIN (both of Cat4 intensity) made landfall over Vanuatu on the 1st and 3rd March. On the 2nd of March, national authorities declared a State of Emergency in the provinces of Mera Lava, Penama, Ambrym, Paama, Shefa and Tafea, which was then extended to the entire country on the 5th of March. Strong winds and substantial amounts of rain caused major floodings, damage to houses and infrastructure, and caused power outages and communication system breakdowns. In addition, earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.6 and 5.4 occurred off the Island of Espiritu Santo in the early morning hours of 3rd March but no major impact was reported. The full extent of damages is not yet known, as initial assessments have only begun, and communication with many of most affected areas remains challenging. The Government of Vanuatu reports that 251,346 people are affected by the cyclones (about 80% of the total population), and 30,000 households. (OCHA, 10 Mar 2023)

As of 13 March, there were 5,156 people (947 families) in 106 evacuation centers in Shefa and Tafaa. The distribution of shelter kits and non-food items in these centres is ongoing. According to the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), 74% of the Arterial Road Network is currently accessible throughout the country. (OCHA, 14 Mar 2023)

As of 16 March, there are 4,293 people in evacuation centres; mainly in Shefa and Tafea provinces. NDMO and the national Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (FSAC) have begun with a “first push”, targeting 37,875 households in Priority areas 1 and 2 with food assistance on 15th of March. 66,983 households have been identified as in need. [...] 89% of Arterial Road Network is now accessible, and 81% of Vanuatu Outer Islan Airports are operational for emergency services; 67% of Vanuatu Outer Island Airports are approved for commercial services. (OCHA, 16 Mar 2023)

As of 20th March, 51 evacuation centres remain active hosting almost 2,000 people (476 households) in Shefa and Tafea, while over 800 people (129 households) are with host households. The “First Push” of dry rations distribution in Priority Areas 1 and 2 is ongoing, as well as distribution of food rations to Shepherd Islands with ships carrying food rations departing for Tanna Island and Tafea on the 18th March. (OCHA, 22 Mar 2023)

The Displacement and Evacuation Centre Management (DECM) Cluster (co-led by NDMO and IOM), reports that 41 evacuation centres (including schools, churches and halls) remain active on the island of Efate, a decrease from a peak of 51 active centres on Efate. As of 24 March, a total of 2,117 displaced persons (453 households) were staying in evacuation centres (1,305 individuals from 323 households) and with host families (812 individuals from 130 households) in identified locations in Shefa and Tafea provinces and lack adequate shelter materials to enable them to return to their homes in a safe and dignified manner. (IOM, 28 Mar 2023)

As of 29th March, 38 evacuation centers remain active, hosting 983 people (222 households) in Shefa and Tafea, while 812 people (130 households) are staying with host households. Over 4,000 affected households have been reached with Emergency Shelter distributions in Shefa (2960 HH) and Tafea (1156 HH) Provinces. Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (FSAC) partners are nearing completion of Priority Areas 1 and 2 across Shefa and Tafea Provinces of the “First Push” which covers all Priority Areas. (OCHA, 29 Mar 2023)

There are grave concerns over the increase in Leptospirosis cases, a bacterial disease, one month on from the double category 4 cyclones in Vanuatu. The country has reported 19 new cases of Leptospirosis and three deaths since the cyclone passed. The majority of cases have been in Santo and Efate islands, with a few cases in Malekula, Pentecost, Malo and Erromango. Vanuatu Red Cross is working in coordination with authorities to curb the situation with health awareness in communities across the six provinces. (IFRC, 29 Mar 2023)

As of April 3rd, 27 evacuation centers remain active in Efate (Shefa province). 868 people (157 households) are staying in evacuation centers, while 812 people are with host families. The coordination of the “First Push” of dry rations is ongoing in Port Vila and Tafea province. An estimated 99.8% of electrical services have been restored in the country. Although all schools in the six provinces have been instructed to re-open, a total of 299 school buildings including classrooms have been damaged in Tafea Province. Cluster partners have collectively distributed over 158,230 reliefs items to affected people. (OCHA, 5 Apr 2023)

The government of Vanuatu launched an early recovery plan on April 14th, with a budget of USD 28,000,000. This plan aims to address the immediate and mid-term recovery needs of the affected population. A Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) is ongoing. (UNICEF, 29 Apr 2023)