Attachments
The ETC in the Pacific, led by the World Food Programme (WFP), was activated in 2016 under the structure of the Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) to support telecommunications preparedness in the region. The ETC in the Pacific is currently supporting the government-led emergency response to Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin which hit Vanuatu on 1 and 3 March 2023, as well as two 6.6 and 5.4 magnitude earthquakes which occurred on 3 March 2023.
Highlights
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On 18 April, an ETC officer from WFP―lead agency of the Pacific ETC―travelled to Tanna Island and installed a satellite data terminal at the Tafea Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC). The data connectivity service is now activated, enabling users to communicate with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Port Vila.
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The ETC officer briefed six staff at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department on the configuration, activation, and use of Starlink satellite data devices on 17 April.
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The ETC officer’s mission in Vanuatu ends on 22 April, having supported the installation of connectivity solutions at two priority PEOCs and the NEOC.
Situation overview
Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin―both category 4 intensity―made landfall in Vanuatu on 1 and 3 March causing severe infrastructure destruction across the islands of Vanuatu. According to the government, 251,000 people have been affected (80% of the population) by the two cyclones, leaving them without food, power, shelter, and telecommunications. The national authorities in Vanuatu declared a six-month state of emergency on 5 March.
Five priority areas have been identified by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NDMO): the provinces of Shefa and Tafea, the Shepherd Islands, and parts of Penama and Malampa provinces.
According to the government, road network accessibility has been restored to approximately 90%, across the different islands. Emergency relief flights are operating at 80% while commercial flights are operating at 70% of baseline before the effects of the cyclones.
The national electricity company, UNELCO, continues to work to repair and restore the national power grid.