Country team to distribute relief supplies, international experts have arrived to support response
Port Vila, March 15, 2015. Three days after cyclone Pam devastated the island state of Vanuatu, CARE International warns that many remote communities are still isolated and cut off from communications. „We are extremely concerned about the Southern Islands of Erromango, Tanna, Aniwa and Futuna as these were directly hit by cyclone Pam and people had limited protection from the storm. Yet we do not have a full picture of the impact”, says Charlie Damon, Program Manager for CARE International in Vanuatu from the capital Port Vila.
Based on initial assessments, CARE estimates that 85 percent of all houses in Port Vila are damaged. There is no electricity in many areas. Health support is now of utmost importance as the central hospital has no power and is partly damaged. The majority of the population is staying at evacuation centres, but there are no sufficient sanitation facilities; toilets and soap are urgently needed. Together with partners, CARE will start to distribute hygiene kits tailored to women and men’s needs in evacuation centres of Port Vila on Tuesday.
“The destruction in the capital is enormous. I can’t even begin to imagine how it must look like on the outer islands”, Damon continues. “It is now our priority to reach the remote islands of Tafea province, where we have been working before the cyclone, and to support people with water, sanitation, shelter and food”, says Damon. CARE is the only aid organization operating in the island province of Tafea and the humanitarian needs are likely to be immense.
Two international CARE staff have arrived in Port Vila to support CARE’s emergency response, and more humanitarian experts will follow in the coming days.
Another cyclone is currently building off the far north coast of Queensland, Australia and could potentially hit Vanuatu on Wednesday.
CARE has worked in Vanuatu since 2008, focussing on building resilience to disasters and climate change shocks, and increasing women and girls’ involvement in community leadership.
-ENDS
For more information, images or to arrange interviews with CARE aid workers in Australia and Vanuatu, contact Dylan Quinnell (0412 449 691) or Tom Perry (0419 567 777) – PLEASE BE AWARE OF TIME DIFFERENCES. For European/US time zones please contact: Sandra Bulling, +49 3560 5481