It has been two weeks since Cyclone Lusi hit the six provinces of Vanuatu. The Category 2 storm claimed eight lives, caused widespread flooding and damaged crops and homes.
While the impact of the disaster was devastating, the Vanuatu Government and the international community are continuing to support affected families in their time of need.
Australia's response to Cyclone Lusi was immediate. Following a request for assistance from the Government of Vanuatu, Australia provided $40,000 to support the Vanuatu Government's immediate disaster relief efforts–an aerial assessment of the affected area and provision of emergency supplies. Australia also provided an Australian Civilian Corps (ACC) logistics specialist to assist with relief efforts.
Australian-funded emergency supplies held by the Vanuatu Red Cross Society and World Vision including blankets, water containers, tarpaulins, kitchen sets and hygiene kits, were distributed to the worst affected communities. These supplies were pre-positioned to enable assistance to reach affected populations as quickly as possible.
Vanuatu is the most vulnerable country in the world to natural disasters, and is at risk of earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, landslides, flooding and volcanic eruptions. As a result, the Australian High Commission in Port Vila has an extensive network of humanitarian and emergency contacts in the country.
Australia has taken a long-term approach to reducing the risks posed by disasters in Vanuatu. In addition to the immediate support provided following Cyclone Lusi, an Australian Civilian Corps specialist has been working with Vanuatu's Natural Disaster Management Office (NDMO) since November 2013 to help build the skills of local staff.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Lusi, the specialist took part in the aerial surveillance mission to assess the extent of damage in affected areas and has been assisting the NDMO with the coordination of the humanitarian response.
Reliable communication with communities before, during and after a disaster is vital to mitigating the impact. To help facilitate this, Australia also funds a back-up radio studio for the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation to ensure alert messages can continue to go out to communities should the main station be damaged.
In addition, during Cyclone Lusi, an Australia-funded emergency SMS service provided over 21,000 people with direct access to important safety information.
The Australian Government will continue to work closely with the Vanuatu Government and partners to assess the extent of damage caused by Cyclone Lusi and the need for further international assistance during the recovery period.