Case study: Ipota’s preparedness for and response to cyclone Pam

This case study of Ipota village (on Errromango island in Vanuatu) illustrates the impact of a Disaster Risk Reduction project on the community’s practices before, during and after Cyclone Pam. Striking Vanuatu on March 13 2015, this category five cyclone was one of the worst storms ever to hit the region.

In particular, this case study highlights the impact of the project on the community’s capacity to access, interpret and disseminate warnings; prepare at household and community level, identify and manage evacuation centres; evacuate the community; ensure the safety of vulnerable people; conduct a needs assessment; and manage the initial emergency response and early recovery process.