ADB Provides $1 Million for Vanuatu Cyclone Relief

MANILA  — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $1 million grant to the Government of Vanuatu to help the recovery from twin tropical cyclones earlier this month.

The support will supplement government finances following tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin, which caused severe damage to roads, schools, health facilities, homes, essential water and power infrastructure, and crops.

“The ADB grant assistance will help restore essential services and provide humanitarian supplies to the most vulnerable,” said ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez. “ADB stands ready to provide further assistance for Vanuatu to rebuild following the consecutive cyclones.”

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that more than 250,000 people, or about 80% of Vanuatu’s population, were impacted by the two cyclones, which occurred on March 1 and 3. Shefa, Tafea, Malampa, and Penama provinces were the worst affected, losing power, communications, and safe drinking water.

There are reports of widespread damaged power poles, telecommunications towers, and fuel shortages.

The ADB funding comes from ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.