Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS
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The ETC continues to support the ICT needs of the government-led emergency response in Vanuatu following the impact of Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in early March.
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The ETC has pre-configured and activated all 10 Starlink terminals supplied to the Government of Vanuatu by Starlink, on loan to facilitate communications in the emergency response.
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One Starlink connectivity device is deployed in Port Vila while installation of a second Starlink device is planned to take place on Tanna Island from 11 to 13 April. The devices enable communications from the islands to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) headquarters in Port Vila.
Situation overview
Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin―both category 4 intensity―made landfall in Vanuatu on 1 and 3 March causing widespread destruction across the islands of Vanuatu. Over 251,000 people (80% of the population) were affected. 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 Office (NDMO): the provinces of Shefa and Tafea, the Shepherd Islands, and parts of Penama and Malampa provinces. As of 29 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. 90% of houses were destroyed in those provinces.
Road network accessibility dropped to 70% and all airports were closed after the disaster on 5 March. Latest data shows that 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.
The national electricity company, UNELCO, continues with repair and restoration of the national power grid.