Vanuatu is home to about 267,000 people and is spread over 65 islands. The storm, which touched ground on Friday, March 13 destroyed 90% of buildings in the capital city of Port Vila and has completely wiped out communications systems making it hard to gauge the true scale of the need.
World Renew is responding.
“World Renew is part of several church-based alliances that enable us to respond quickly and effectively when disasters strike,” explained Ken Little, World Renew Senior Program Manager. “Even though we don’t have staff on the ground in Vanuatu, we have connections to reputable organizations which do. Through them, we plan to provide assistance to those most in need.”
The strong winds of Cyclone Pam were up to 300 km/hour and are being compared to those of Typhoon Haiyan which devastated parts of the Philippines in November 2013. It is by far the worst disaster to have ever hit Vanuatu. Homes, schools and clinics have all been destroyed. Since 80% of the population makes their living as farmers, the economy of Vanuatu is also in jeopardy as crops and fields were completely washed away.
Through the Integral Alliance, World Renew will be channeling funds to its partners in order to meet the needs of people on Vanuatu. Your prayers and support are urgently needed.
