Emergency Relief for Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam

Dear Supporter, 

Cyclone Pam, which started forming in the South Pacific on 6th March, and hit Vanuatu on 13th March, is regarded as the worst natural disaster to have struck Vanuatu. 90% of the country's infrastructure has been destroyed and the small island nation has been reeling ever since. 

One of the biggest challenges in the relief effort is the geography of Vanuatu- it is spread over a stretch of 1300km and divided into 80 separate islands. It is tricky to get around on a normal day! The teams on the ground have faced a complete breakdown in all forms of communication. The only option left was satellite phones. Even with satellite phones there are some regions that simply don't have access to this type of technology. 

Once communication challenges are sorted out, so that we can access which areas have been the worst affected, we are then faced with gaining access. One of the most critical factors is getting fresh water, food and medical supplies to people, and that is just the beginning. 

With a disaster of this scale, relief efforts will carry on for many months. Some of the things that we will have to focus on going forward will be to restore livestock and replant crops. If this is not addressed the food shortage will be severely exacerbated. This is a critical issue and will take many years to be redressed. We will also need to urgently start rebuilding homes and infrastructure. Better early warning system will need to be installed and implemented as well as better coastal barriers.

We will continue using your kind donations to aid Vanuatu over the coming months while they struggle to recover and rebuild. Thank you for your generous support. 

Best Wishes, 

GVI Charitable Trust

Links:

• www.gvi.org