After two tropical cyclones, Cyclone Judy and Kevin, hit Vanuatu on March 1 and 3, thousands of homes were destroyed, and over 250,000 people were affected. A 6.5-magnitude earthquake was triggered on March 3. Although no casualties have been reported so far, most communities in Vanuatu are without power, and hundreds of people are still seeking shelter in evacuation centers. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stated that access to clean drinking water has been significantly affected. Vanuatu Red Cross Secretary-General Dickinson Tevi said most houses suffered damage, while some were completely destroyed. The United Nations reported that almost 80% of Vanuatu’s population has been affected, and Shefa and Tafea provinces are amongst the hardest-hit areas. Coffins were visible on the surface of graves in Port Vila City Council cemetery following the cyclones, according to reports. New Zealand and China provided initial financial support of $150,000 and $500,000, respectively. The Australian government sent a 12-person assessment team and deployed its HMAS Canberra ship, while UNICEF Pacific said it is working with the Vanuatu government to provide emergency supplies to disaster-struck areas.
Vanuatu requires immediate help after two successive cyclones.
