Attachments
The ETC in the Pacific 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 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
• A second telecommunications specialist from WFP FITTEST arrived in Port Vila on 16 March to assess and support ICT needs after Vanuatu was hit by two tropical cyclones and an earthquake. The ETC in the Pacific is operating under Vanuatu’s national cluster system in coordination with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NDMO) to support the Vanuatu government response.
• On 19 March, one of the FITTEST specialists conducted a communications assessment on the island of Tongariki in Shefa region, identified as one of the priority areas by the NDMO.
• Based on a request from the NDMO, the ETC in the Pacific is planning to support the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre on Tanna Island with satellite data connectivity services provided by WFP FITTEST.
Situation overview
The national authorities in Vanuatu declared a state of emergency on 3 March. Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin ― both category 4 intensity ― made landfall in Vanuatu on 1 and 3 March causing widespread destruction across several of Vanuatu’s islands.
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) of Vanuatu estimates that 251,346 people have been affected by the cyclones ― about 80 per cent of the population. As of 20 March, approximately 2,300 people remained in 52 emergency evacuation shelters, down from 5,100 in 106 centres a week ago. Five priority areas have been identified, with the provinces of Shefa and Tafea designated as the first priority; the Shepherd Islands second Initial food distributions, coordinated through the National Food Security and Agriculture Cluster, began in Shefa, Tafea and the Shepherd Islands on 15 March. priority, and parts of Penama and Malampa provinces third priority.