Occurs 

Comments / Details 

Yes 

Vanuatu suffers from periodic drought. Scientists are predicting that an El Niño system is likely to develop later in 2023. This would mean below-normal rainfall in Vanuatu. 

Yes 

Vanuatu is situated on the Ring of Fire. On average about 186 earthquakes occur across Vanuatu each year. 

Yes 

Mosquito-borne epidemics of malaria and dengue are common. Larger dengue outbreaks can occur seasonally often related to the rainy season and the La Niña phenomenon. COVID-19 remains a risk in Vanuatu. The Government of Vanuatu communicates COVID-19 risks and restrictions through the Vanuatu Outbreak Alert System. 

No 

N/A 

Yes 

Many parts of Vanuatu are subject to flash flooding during the rainy season (November to April). Flood displacement risk is likely to double by 2060 and the average annual displacement is expected to quadruple. 

Yes 

Disease carrying and crop eating insects are present in Vanuatu. 

Yes 

Heavy rain and flooding have resulted in mudslides. 

Yes 

There are five active volcanoes in Vanuatu. From 5 to 7 April 2023 volcanic activity on Ambae Volcano intensified with very high plumes of steam, gas and ash observed with lava glow at night. As of 29 September 2023 four volcanoes are at Alert Level 2 (Major unrest state) – Yasur on Tanna, Manaro Voui on Ambae, Lopevi on Lopevi and Mount Garet on Gaua. Volcanic activity bulletins are available from the Vanuatu Meteorology & Geo-Hazards Department. 

Yes 

Much of the coastal damage associated with TC Judy and TC Kevin was related to storm surges and high waves. High waves can prevent the use of small ports across Vanuatu, which are vital for emergency supply distribution to the islands. 

Yes 

A massive tidal wave struck Marteli Bay, Pentecost Island on 2 December 1999 following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on 27 November 1999. Tsunami waves were also observed around Aneityum Island on 5 March 2021 following an 8.1 magnitude earthquake. 

No 

N/A 

Yes 

TC Lusi 2014, TC Pam 2015, TC Ula and Zena 2016, TC Cook 2017, TC Harold 2020, TC Judy and Kevin 2023 

No 

N/A 

No 

N/A 

No 

There is natural migration of people during times of natural disasters, where local temporary residencies are created, but there are no managed camps. 

No 

N/A 

No 

N/A 

N/A 

Time Frame 

Comments / Details 

Nov-Apr 

There are sealed roads in Port Vila and Luganville. Heavy rain increases the size and depth of potholes making transport dangerous and hard on vehicle tires and axels. The bridge in Tanna was damaged due to the March 2023 cyclones. 

Nov-Apr 

The secondary roads are dirt roads and are very quickly affected by rainfall. Continuous rain can quickly turn a road into an impassable one. It is best to get local knowledge to determine what port to deliver supplies to. 

N/A 

N/A 

Nov-Apr 

Bauerfield International Airport is in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The airport runway has the capability and length to accept jets up to the Airbus A330. It serves as the hub for Vanuatu’s flag carrier airline, Air Vanuatu. Other local airlines operating in Vanuatu are Unity Airlines, Air Taxi and Belair Airways. 

Heavy rain and cyclones can affect the secondary airstrips on outer islands rendering them unusable. 

Nov-Apr 

Inter-island transport by small vessels to some ports cannot be undertaken during high seas and strong winds. 

Time Frame 

Comments / Details 

Nov-Apr 

Heavy rain and cyclones can affect storage quality and access to transportation of pre-positioned relief supplies, as many are containerised. In the event of an emergency, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) will engage a suitable warehouse for storage, repackaging, etc. 

Nov-Apr 

As above. 

N/A 

N/A