The United States, through USAID, is providing $1.25 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities in Vanuatu dealing with the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Lola. The storm made landfall on October 24, with wind speeds as high as 132 miles per hour, causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and crops - impacting an estimated 110,000 people.
U.S. humanitarian support includes funding for USAID's partner CARE, who is providing food, shelter, and protection programs for the most vulnerable in cyclone-affected communities. USAID is also working with the Government of Vanuatu and partner organizations to support damage assessments, logistics and transportation, as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance through existing humanitarian programs.
Tropical Cyclone Lola came just seven months after Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin hit Vanuatu, and the compounded impact of multiple major storms has severely affected the communities' ability to recover. Tropical Cyclone Lola was the earliest Category 5 tropical cyclone on record in the Southern Hemisphere, occurring ahead of the official start of the 2023-24 South Pacific cyclone season on November 1.
The United States is committed to working with the Ni-Vanuatu people to improve community resilience and prepare for future storms.
