The Isle of Man Government’s International Development Committee has responded to the crisis following the devastating damage caused by a category 5 cyclone to Vanuatu, an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean.
Vanuatu was the worst affected as Cyclone ‘Pam’, with wind speeds of 165mph, made a direct hit on Efate Island and the capital, Port Vila. Across the island archipelago, 96% of food crops were destroyed, leaving over 75,000 people in need of shelter, food, water and healthcare. Subsistence farming is the main way of making a living for 80% of the population. The cyclone destroyed swathes of crops and farmland.
UNICEF has been awarded £25,000 to provide a temporary shelter and clinic to support the main hospital in the capital with overcrowding; ensuring the best possible medical care for those affected by the cyclone.
Oxfam GB has been granted £10,000 to ensure the people of Vanuatu have access to safe water, food and basic hygiene supplies; all of which are crucial in preventing the spread of disease and avoiding malnutrition.
The Committee has also provided HelpAge International with £20,000 to provide shelter, warm clothes and bedding for older people and people with special needs in Uganda. Over 639,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Uganda following civil unrest in South Sudan. Of the displaced Sudanese people, older people and those with special needs are amongst the most vulnerable.
