ADRA ready to respond to Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu
PORT VILA, VANUATU 4:30 p.m.—The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is on high alert as category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam hits the archipelago of Vanuatu.
ADRA is prepositioned to release emergency kits from three warehouses in Shefa, Efate, and Tafea. The kits include soap, water filtration kits, and collapsible water containers. ADRA is prepared to participate in assessing the situation when the storm has passed to decide what local communities will need most.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the winds in the eye region of the storm are averaging up to 270 kph (167 mph) with gusts up to 340 kph (211 mph). Heavy to torrential rainfall and flooding, including flash flooding are expected as well as landslides and coastal flooding from storm surge.
There are already 450 people in evacuation centers in the northern provinces—mostly schools, churches, and government buildings. There are another two cyclones forming that could affect Vanuatu in the near future.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
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