By Justin Jenkin, Seal Superyachts Vanuatu.
This natural disaster could not have happened at a worse time. The country is on shut down and isolation due to the Covid-19 crisis gripping the world. Vanuatu is trying to keep Covid-19 out of the country and currently has 0 recorded cases. Borders are shut. Therefore, bringing in outside support from New Zealand, Australian or French navy ships or foreign superyachts is not on the table at the present time. The risk of possibly importing Covid-19 is simply too great.
Vanuatu’s NDMO (National Disaster Management Office) and other government departments will advise us as soon as it’s safe for us to invite superyachts that may be willing to come and support ongoing relief efforts later on. We consider that a possible second phase of relief effort from the Superyacht Community.
At the current moment, Vanuatu’s own well trained disaster response teams, NGO’s and local residents are all responding to this crisis as best as they are able to within the constraints presented by the Covid-19 crisis.
Equipment, goods and materials are permitted to land in Vanuatu after meeting special biosecurity requirements which include fumigation, sterilization and other protective measures on both ends. The resulting delay in bringing in shipments of relief supplies by air looks to be approximately 10-14 days or more from source out to the affected areas.
Rapid assessment teams and other sources who went out yesterday have reported:
- SW and South Santo – extreme/heavy damage.
- Luganville – heavy damage.
- Aore Island and Ratua – heavy damage.
- Malo Island – extreme/heavy damage.
- West and South Ambae – heavy damage expected. No report yet.
- South Maewo – moderate to heavy damage expected. No report yet.
- North and South Pentecost – extreme/heavy damage.
While all these areas have been badly damaged several villages have been completely destroyed particularly in the bolded areas.
Some areas are still inaccessible due to roads being blocked or no roads at all. There is currently only one helicopter available from Vanuatu Helicopters which is being used right now to carry technical teams to restore communication towers. After that the helicopter will be used for whatever missions it may be needed for.
Air Taxi and Unity Airlines Domestic charter operations and Air Vanuatu commercial flights are working full speed, taking government and NGO rapid assessment teams around on aerial surveillance and immediate disaster relief missions.
NZ air force/army are carrying out aerial surveillance and assessment using their assets which were moved here in advance of the cyclone to undergo a period of quarantine before being allowed to move within the community.
Local first responder teams are being dispatched to areas where it’s possible to land and offload.
Some areas remain isolated and its expected that it could take time for relief teams to get to those areas. Vanuatu Police, Army and Public works teams have gone out to assist clearing roads to provide access to the first responder teams.
Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office is in charge of all relief operations and are being supported by; local government departments, Vanuatu Mobile Force, NZ Army personal, NGO’s and individual residents.
Like the rest of the world Vanuatu’s tourism industry came to a complete standstill about 4 weeks ago. This is causing huge financial strain on the country, local small businesses, farmers etc. Recovery from the financial devastation caused by a cyclone in normal times is very difficult as it is. Add the crisis resulting from Covid-19 and we are in trouble without significant outside financial support. It’s also important now to support local suppliers and businesses as this helps to stimulate the local economy and keep people employed. If you consider making donations, please keep this point in mind.
The scale of support needed is going to be significant and will come in many forms such as: possible foreign debt relief, cash donations by foreign governments, NGO’s, companies and individuals, donations of goods and materials (please consider local purchase), support from foreign humanitarian groups and teams to aid rebuilding efforts only once it’s safe to bring people in to the country.
Seal Superyachts Vanuatu is working together with foreign individuals, superyachts and other groups across the world in collaboration with Yacht Aid Global with the initial aim of raising funds to support the immediate disaster relief efforts of NGO’s and local government departments that are being dispatched out to the affected areas.
We encourage the entire yachting community to consider supporting our fund raising efforts by sharing our news and the link to Yacht Aid Global website where our collective yachting friends and family can make donations. YachtAid Global is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Link to the YAG donation page for Cyclone Harold – Vanuatu
Seal Superyachts Vanuatu is positioned to facilitate and support any and all relief efforts from the superyacht community.
Thanking all our partners and supporters in advance for any and all assistance and support that you provide during this crisis. Thank you!
We can be reached on:
Email: justin@seal-superyachts.com
or vanuatu@seal-superyachts.com
Find us on WhatsApp +678 771 9174
Or via www.yachtaidglobal.org
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Vanuatu for detailed information about cruising around Vanuatu, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Justin Jenkin is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Vanuatu and the surrounding area.
Justin Jenkin
Phone: +678 771 9174
Email: vanuatu@seal-superyachts.com