Situation
On 13 March, 2015 Cyclone Pam, made landfall in Vanuatu. The category-5 tropical storm caused immense devastation, leaving thousands in need of food, water and shelter. According to government estimates, 166,000 people, over half the countries population, are affected.
Cyclone Pam also had a severe impact on neighboring countries. It collided with other weather systems in the region, including Tropical Cyclone Nathan and Tropical Storm Bavi. These storms brought heavy rains and flooding to some countries and also caused storm surges which displaced many families living in coastal areas of low-lying islands.
On 24 March, the IFRC launched an International Appeal for 5.7 million Swiss francs to assist 81,000 people across five Pacific nations - Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Relief, clean water and emergency shelter remain immediate priorities but support will be channeled over the next two years to help communities in their longer term recovery. This will include help in re-establishing and diversifying livelihoods, rebuilding safe homes and working with communities on disaster risk reduction activities and climate change awareness programmes.
Press releases
IFRC launches multi-country international appeal to support five Pacific nations hit by Tropical Cyclone Pam
IFRC launches emergency appeal of 3.9 million Swiss francs in response to Tropical Cyclone Pam
Vanuatu: Red Cross delivers aid while reports confirm large-scale damage across the island nation
Vanuatu Red Cross responds to severe Tropical Cyclone Pam
Red Cross stands alongside communities as they face multiple storms in the Pacific
Web stories
Cyclone Pam: 3 month web-story
Tuvalu: Working together to recover in the wake of Cyclone Pam
When preparedness saved lives
Blog Post: A view from above
The gardens are gone but we have a family to feed
Cyclone Pam: Howling winds, frightened children
Vanuatu and Tuvalu: the Red Cross responds to Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam
Pacific Red Cross volunteers trained and mobilised to support communities
Photo gallery
Gallery 1 | Gallery 2
In Pictures - Tropical Cyclone Pam
In pictures - Fiji Red Cross preparedness activities