Case study: Dillons Bay’s preparedness for and response to Cyclone Pam

Between May 2013 and December 2014, CARE implemented a disaster risk reduction project in Vanuatu’s TAFEA province. The Yumi Redi 2 project aimed to increase the capacity of vulnerable communities to prepare for and respond to disasters. This case study of the village of Dillons Bay (on Errromango island) illustrates the impact of this project on the community’s practices before, during and after Cyclone Pam. Striking Vanuatu on March 13th 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 DIPECHO and Australian Aid funded project on the community’s capacity to share DRR messages; understand, heed and disseminate emergency warnings; prepare at household and community level; identify and manage evacuation centres; evacuate the community; consider the needs of vulnerable people; conduct needs assessments; develop links between various authorities within and outside the community; develop and support strong leaders and manage the initial emergency response until additional help arrives.