When Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu in March 2015, it was one of the worst disasters this Pacific archipelago had ever seen. Before Pam, villages in Tongoa Island relied on rainwater harvesting and a nearby, local spring for most of their safe drinking water, and capacity fluctuated depending on weather conditions. IsraAID’s recovery program implemented new gravitational water systems, providing secure, reliable, non-electric safe water sources for over 600 people. IsraAID has since focused on providing safe water supplies to rural communities and in building the capacity of the country's mental health system through MHPSS and MHGAP training.
The 83-island strong Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu is one of the world’s most susceptible countries to natural hazards. Vanuatu has nine active volcanoes, and the island of Ambae, home to 11,000 people, sits on top of the largest. In July 2018, after months of volcanic activity, including a constant stream of ash and thick smoke, the government ordered the compulsory evacuation of its entire population for the second time in under 12 months.
Many communities across Vanuatu lack stable access to safe water, increasing the risk of humanitarian crisis. In 2019-2020, IsraAID is building gravity-fed water systems to serve 11 rural communities in Pentecost and Tongoa islands, and in the island of Ambae.