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
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The ETC Officer deployed by WFP FITTEST on the ground since 9 March left the operation on 28 March. A second ETC Officer deployed by FITTEST remains in Vanuatu and is based in the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) headquarters in Port Vila to engage in coordination activities as well as assess and support the communications needs of the response.
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The mission to install a Starlink terminal for connectivity at the Tafea Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) on Tanna Island has been delayed due to transport challenges. The ETC is planning to reschedule the postponed mission, which will link the PEOC to the NDMO headquarters in Port Vila.
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On 23 March, the ETC assessed four evacuation centres managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Efate Island, Shefa province. The assessment found availability of data connectivity, power, and FM/AM radio broadcasting services across all four sites.
Situation overview
The national authorities in Vanuatu declared a six-month state of emergency on 5 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, affecting over 251,000 people. Five priority areas have been identified: the provinces of Shefa and Tafea, the Shepherd Islands, and parts of Penama and Malampa provinces. As of 22 March, the NDMO of Vanuatu reports that 24,657 households (123,288 people) have been affected by the cyclones in the worst hit provinces of Shefa and Tafea.
Approximately 90% of the road network is now accessible and Vanuatu airports are operating at 80% for emergency purposes, while commercial services are operating at approximately 70% of its usual capacity.
Although electricity remains in short supply, restoration of the national power grid is ongoing.