Press Release

UN deploys staff to Vanuatu to support coordination and humanitarian efforts following consecutive Cat-4 cyclones

08 March 2023

Following two consecutive Category-4 cyclones, and a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu last week, the United Nations (UN) has deployed eight staff to the capital, Port Vila, to support the government-led response to this emergency.

vuv — Caption: UN staff based in Port Vila, Vanuatu, continue to support relief efforts following cyclones Judy and Kevin, and a 6.5 magnitude earthquake.

Photo: © UNRCO, Fiji MCO

This deployment follows an official letter from the Vanuatu Prime Minister, Hon. Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, welcoming support and assistance from the Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT), the regional humanitarian coordination body of the international community, composed of humanitarian UN agencies, INGOs and the Red Cross Movement.

“UN teams on the ground and here in Fiji will continue to follow the lead of the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (Vanuatu NDMO) and the Vanuatu Government to ensure our support is aligned to their recovery priorities. Vanuatu has shown exceptional leadership under these difficult circumstances and the UN is right behind you,” said acting UN Resident Coordinator to Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu, Alpha Bah.

VUV — Caption: Government estimates indicate that over 250,000 people were affected by these disasters - about 80% of the country's population.

Photo: © UNRCO, Fiji MCO

According to the Vanuatu NDMO, over 250,000 people have been affected by the disasters – almost 80 per cent of the country’s population. Needs assessments are currently being carried out.

The most affected areas were Shefa and Tafea, Penama and Malampa, Northern Penama Province and Western part of Malampa Province, and Sanma and Torba Provinces.