BACKGROUND
Severe Tropical Cyclone (TC) Pam struck Vanuatu (population 270,000), affecting the capital of Port Vila, as an extremely destructive category 5 cyclone on the evening of 13 March at around 11p.m. local time.
FOOD SECURITY
Almost 800 metric tonnes (MT) of food for the second round of distributions have been procured. The second round will begin in the highest priority areas this week. Seed packages will be distributed alongside food.
SHELTER
Emergency shelter assistance distributions have taken place or are underway to reach 50,000 people.
HEALTH & NUTRITION
Approximately 12,800 children under five years old - more than half of the targeted 25,000 – have received a measles vaccination, along with deworming treatment, vitamin A and soap.
Most vaccinations so far have taken place in Shefa Province.
WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE (WASH)
The WASH Cluster has reached 25,000 people with hygiene kits, meeting 25 per cent of its target.
EDUCATION
Approximately 30,000 schoolaged children are affected by the aftermath of the cyclone. Around 180 classrooms were destroyed in Tafea Province.
EMERGENCY TELECOMMUNICATIONS (ETC)
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has indicated that they will be able to restore internet connectivity within three weeks for all sites except Tanna.
LOGISTICS
The NDMO has now received four flights from the Indonesian government containing 51 metric tons of fortified biscuits, range of ready-to-eat meals and NFIs.
PROTECTION
A two-day orientation on psychosocial first aid and child protection in emergencies was held with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, Child Support Officers and Save the Children. Discussions with the Government regarding the replacement of civil documentation destroyed by the cyclone continue.
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.