TC Donna (Vanuatu)

Situation overview

The Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo Hazard Department continues to monitor TC Donna as it brings damaging gale force winds in the northern and southern parts of the Vanuatu Group.

The Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) advises that a Red Alert (stay in shelter or safe place) is still active for Torres group; Yellow Alert (get ready) is current for Banks group and Sanma province and Blue Alert (be prepared) is current for Malampa and Penama province.

In the Solomon Islands, warning is still current for Makira, Rennell and Bellona and Temotu Provinces.

In New Caledonia, local authorities have issued a tropical cyclone alert for the country. As Donna is likely to be weakening while passing through New Caledonia, it will still be strong enough to bring flooding rainfall and locally damaging winds.

As Donna continues, torrential rain and destructive winds will increase around its center.

An inter – agency meeting was held on Saturday at 9.00am (Vanuatu time) at the National Emergency Operation Centre chaired by the Director of NDMO.

Situational report number 3 was issued on Saturday at 1730hrs (Vanuatu time).

Torba Province was reported to be affected by strong gale force winds since Saturday through to Sunday.

Earlier today cyclone warning was issued for Torres and is expected to bring damage to infrastructure (houses and properties) due to strong gale winds.

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding is also expected for Torba, Sanma, Mampa and Penama provinces for low lying areas and areas close to the river banks. Possible landslide is also expected including coasting flooding in these areas.

International flights are expected to be disrupted as the cyclone tracks southwards towards the west of the capital Port Villa, although Bauerfield Airport is currently operational and receiving international flights.

Incoming tourists and visitors have also been advised to take precautionary advisories issued by their local consular in Port Vila

As TC warning remains current for Vanuatu, no deployment to affected areas has been conducted.

The Government and local humanitarian partners such as the Vanuatu Red Cross, the VHT and NGOs are on stand-by and ready to deploy in coordination with the NEOC.

While the Government continue to monitor the situation, and receive report it will than determine the need for request for international assistance.

PHT partners continue to be on standby and closely maintaining contact with local counterparts.

Australia DFAT and NZ MFAT is also maintaining contact with the NDMO to determine areas of support as required such as aerial assessment once clearance is given by the NDMO.

The full assessment will only be conducted once TC Donna moves away from Vanuatu waters. The assessment will be led and coordinated by Government.

A coordination meeting will be held on Monday whereby more clear information and updates will be provided and clear decision on the need to request for international assistance.

Cluster and sectors will convene on Monday to further determine the needs.

Status of request for assistance