World Vision Vanuatu bunkers down for Tropical Cyclone Pam

The skies have turned greyer, the winds have become more agitated and rain has started to fall.

We’ve boarded up the windows of our Country Office in Port Vila, removed important equipment and have literally nailed the building closed.

Our staff out in the remote provinces of Vanuatu have worked tirelessly this week to prepare for Cyclone Pam.

And now we’re bunkering down in the wait for Cyclone Pam.

This morning Cyclone Pam was upgraded to a category four and is slowly moving South – currently at 10 Km per hour.  

Over the next 24 hours it is expected Cyclone Pam will be upgraded to a category 5 - the highest category for a cyclone.

“Our staff have been working hard to make sure the communities we work in are prepared for what looks to be a devastating Cyclone.” said Michael Wolfe, World Vision Vanuatu Country Director.

“Throughout the week World Vision staff have been going into communities to make sure they are aware of the Cyclone and we have also been able to further prepare for a potential response should we need to.”

“On Tanna, the team has been able to preposition water and essential food items for the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.”

Other relief items prepositioned include tarpaulins, blankets, jerry cans; and hygiene, shelter and kitchen kits.

On Thursday morning, staff in World Vision’s Area Programmes were reporting eerily calm weather, with patches of mild wind and rain, but were yet to experience cyclone like weather.

In just three hours that has changed - winds have become stronger to match the darkening skies.Rain is still sparce, but becoming more constant. 

World Vision Vanuatu’s Disaster Management team was activated on the weekend and all staff are on standby. World Vision is working closely with the Vanuatu Government through its Natural Disaster Management Office (NDMO), and the Vanuatu Humanitarian Team, an NGO co-ordination body.

Cyclone Pam is on her way and we are bunkered down and waiting.