Protecting animals and livelihoods from disasters for years to come in Vanuatu
News
As our immediate response to Cyclone Pam comes to an end, our disaster team is putting in place plans to protect hundreds of thousands of animals with the Vanuatu government.
Vanuatu’s worst storm in 60 years
Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu on March 13th, leaving many thousands of animals injured, without shelter and vulnerable to disease. Regarded as one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history, Cyclone Pam left Vanuatu’s infrastructure in ruins.
Our response team was on the ground within 48 hours – giving animals emergency aid and assessing the impacts of the cyclone. From dogs and cats to goats and pigs, the needs of animals were varied and extensive.
Our response helped secure the immediate future for nearly 30,000 animals and now we have come together with the government in Vanuatu to address the ongoing needs for animals in the wake of Cyclone Pam.
Reducing the impact of future disasters
Vanuatu is listed as the country most at risk of disasters in the world. A fact brought home to us in the aftermaths of both Cyclones Lusi and Pam. Our work with the Vanuatu Government will build on our cooperation after Lusi struck the Island last year.
We will be delivering further veterinary training to government officers, equipping more people with the skills and knowledge they need to respond to animals needs when a disaster next strikes. We will also be taking the models for animal shelters we developed in the Philippines and introducing them in Vanuatu. Combined with the planned use of our public service announcments, local communities will now be in a position to protect their animals and livelihoods in the event of a disaster.
With the proper training, skills and equipment, the government officers will be able to protect hundreds of thousands of animals for years to come. Through our work together, we will protect animals in Vanuatu from suffering like they have done in the past.
We have only been able to carry out this work in Vanuatu with your help. Thank you to everyone who shared our stories and supported the response with a financial donation.
Whenever we respond to a natural disaster, where there is a need we work together with governments to reduce the risks of impacts on animals from future disasters. Read more about this work here and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on our disaster responses around the world.
We will be delivering further veterinary training to government officers, equipping more people with the skills and knowledge they need to respond to animals needs when a disaster next strikes