Vanuatu - Multiple crises (DG ECHO Partners, media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 10 March 2023)

Vanuatu declared a state of emergency for the whole country due to the two consecutive category 4 tropical cyclones and a 6.5 earthquake.

The UN and NDMO and the humanitarian community are carrying out a needs assessment. Early indications indicate widespread damage and destruction to shelter, structures made from local materials (including latrines, bush kitchens, and houses), infrastructures in general, loss of crops and home gardens, and lastly water and sanitation-related needs. Port Vila area and Tanna Island are the most affected areas.

Travel restrictions have been lifted. The EU and DG ECHO are in Vanuatu assessing the situation with the local authorities and the other humanitarian agencies. ECHO is exploring which funding could be used to provide assistance for the people affected by this crisis.

Following Vanuatu’s request for assistance from the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, (UCPM) one country offered assistance.