Vanuatu is highly vulnerable to cyclones due to its geographic location in the South Pacific’s cyclone belt, where intense tropical storms frequently occur. Cyclones bring destructive winds, heavy rains, and storm surges, devastating communities, infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources. The impacts are particularly severe as Vanuatu’s economy and food security rely heavily on agriculture and tourism, sectors both susceptible to cyclone damage. Homes, schools, health facilities, and transport networks face recurrent damage, leaving communities with prolonged recovery times. Climate change is projected to increase cyclone intensity, meaning stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and higher sea levels, which exacerbate storm surges and coastal erosion. Repeated cyclone impacts strain financial and emergency resources, challenging local resilience. To address these risks, Vanuatu is investing in climate adaptation and disaster preparedness, including early warning systems, cyclone-resilient infrastructure, and community training, which are essential to reduce cyclone impacts and enhance long-term resilience.

