Vanuatu – Multiple crises, update (DG ECHO, UN OCHA) (ECHO Daily Flash of 13 March 2023)

Vanuatu has been affected by destructive winds and heavy rains, brought by two category 4 cyclones and followed by a 6.6 M earthquake between 1- 4 of March.

The disasters have caused widespread damage and destruction. Port Vila area and Tanna Island are the most affected areas. The cost of damages is estimated at USD 50 000 000. 30,000 households are affected, and 5,000 people are still displaced in evacuation centres.

15 days after the disasters, food security, lack of drinkable water, and water-borne disease risks are a growing common concern among stakeholders.

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has announced that they will produce a National Response Plan (NRP) that will be shared with stakeholders this week.

The EU and DG ECHO are in Vanuatu assessing the situation with the local authorities and the other humanitarian agencies. DG ECHO is finalizing the analysis about which funding could be used to provide assistance for the people affected by this crisis.