Tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin affected 80% of Vanuatu
The passage of tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin over central-southern Vanuatu from February 28 to March 3, 2023, has caused widespread damage and devastation. According to the UN OCHA, 251 346 people, which is around 80% of the total population, have been affected by cyclones.
The aftermath of the cyclones has left 5 156 people still evacuated and seeking refuge in 106 evacuation centers located in the Shefa and Tafea Provinces. The damage caused by the cyclones has also resulted in 28 schools being damaged and made inaccessible, hampering educational opportunities for children in affected areas.
National authorities, NGOs, and humanitarian partners are working hard to provide assistance and support to those most affected by the cyclones. In response to Vanuatu’s request for assistance from the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), one country has offered various capacities.
The Copernicus Emergency Management Service was activated in rapid mapping mode (EMSR653) on March 4, and 16 maps have been produced so far. These maps will aid in the emergency response efforts by providing critical information on the extent of the damage caused by the cyclones and identifying areas that require immediate attention.
As the affected regions in Vanuatu struggle to recover from the cyclones, more rain is expected to cause further disruption. On March 14 – 15, light to moderate rain with localized thunderstorms is expected across most parts of Vanuatu, particularly over Shefa Province. This could further exacerbate the situation and make it even more challenging for those already affected.
References:
1 Vanuatu – Tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin, update – DG ECHO – March 14, 2023
Featured image: Tropical cyclones Kevin and Judy at 13:20 UTC on March 2, 2023. Credit: JMA/Himawari-8, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.