The Australian Government supported Vanuatu, following the devastating twin Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin and a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in early March 2023.

Overview

In an unprecedented series of humanitarian crises, Vanuatu was hit by twin Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin and a 6.5 magnitude earthquake within several days in early March 2023.

Tropical Cyclone Judy made landfall in Vanuatu on 28 February, before intensifying to a Category Four Tropical Cyclone on 1 March 2023 with winds exceeding 220 km/ hr.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin formed on 1 March 2023 and intensified into a Category Four Tropical Cyclone on 3 March 2023, as it moved across Efate Island reaching winds of up to 230 km/ hr.

Strong winds and heavy rainfall caused major flooding, damage to houses and infrastructure, and power outages and communications breakdowns. The preliminary assessments conducted by the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office estimated around 250,000 people were affected – representing over 80% of the country's population. The Cyclone impacts were further complicated by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake, which struck 90km off the island of Espiritu Santo on 3 March 2023. The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring Pacific Island countries, such as the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia.

On 3 March 2023, the Vanuatu Government declared a state of emergency with Vanuatu's Ministry of Finance and Economic Management estimating the impact of the disaster at 40% of Gross Domestic Product with recovery costs estimated at $50 million.

Australia's humanitarian response

Latest update (as of 19 June 2023): The Australian Government has committed $12.775 million to Vanuatu, as part of its ongoing efforts to support the Vanuatu Government with its response and early recovery from Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.

Deployment of Rapid Assessment Team

On 3 March 2023, the Australian Government announced the deployment of a Rapid Assessment Team to survey cyclone damage at the request of the Government of Vanuatu.

The 12-person multi-disciplinary Rapid Assessment Team included specialists from four key areas – health (Australian Medical Assistance Team, or AUSMAT); infrastructure and hazardous materials (Disaster Assistance Response Team, or DART); logistics (DFAT's Humanitarian Logistics Capability service) and power supply (power restoration teams).  The Rapid Assessment Team also included three humanitarian experts, deployed by RedR, who collaborated with the Rapid Assessment Team Leader to advise on further aid responses.

Humanitarian Emergency Relief Supplies

The Australian Government, through its Humanitarian Logistics Capability (HLC), successfully mobilised 139.4 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies, including water, sanitation and hygiene items (such as hygiene kits, water filtration and storage), shelter (tents, tarpaulins, and kitchen kits), lighting for displaced people to reduce protection risks, health, and early recovery items.

Response funding and Australian Humanitarian Partnership

On 10 March 2023, the Australian Government announced $4.35 million to support the Government of Vanuatu's response to Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin, including support for partners in Vanuatu through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and Australian Red Cross. This funding helped provide support for people in evacuation centres, as well as essential humanitarian supplies and services for communities affected by the disasters.

Australian Defence personnel

The Australian Government deployed HMAS Canberra with Australian Defence personnel, Chinook helicopters, medical facilities, and humanitarian supplies to support the Government of Vanuatu's response.

Two Royal Australian Airforce aircraft provided Vanuatu with aerial surveillance and assessments.

International engagement

The Australian Government also worked closely with FRANZ partners, France and New Zealand, to support the Government of Vanuatu's disaster response by closely coordinating humanitarian assistance. Australia assisted the distribution of humanitarian relief supplies from the United Kingdom.

Support for Early Recovery

On 14 April 2023, the Australian Government announced $8 million to support the Government of Vanuatu's response and early recovery efforts including funding for food security and livelihoods assistance, and support for repairs to health and education facilities.

Travel advice and consular assistance

For the latest travel advice regarding Vanuatu, please visit Smartraveller.

Media releases and statements

• 14 April 2023 - Additional assistance for cyclone response and early recovery in Vanuatu | Ministers and Assistant Ministers (dfat.gov.au)
• 10 March 2023 - Further support for Vanuatu's cyclone response | Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs (foreignminister.gov.au), Joint Media Release with The Hon Pat Conroy MP (Minister for International Development; Minister for Defence Industry).
• 3 March 2023 - Assistance to Vanuatu | Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs (foreignminister.gov.au), Joint Media Release with Senator The Hon Penny Wong (Minister for Foreign Affairs); The Hon Richard Marles MP (Deputy Prime Minister; Minister for Defence), The Hon Pat Conroy MP (Minister for International Development and the Pacific); and Senator The Hon Murray Watt (Minister for Emergency Management).