What difference does disaster risk reduction make? Insights from Vanuatu and tropical cyclone Pam

Abstract

Donors, governments, non-government organisations and humanitarian agencies are increasingly investing in disaster risk reduction (DRR) but there is limited understanding of the outcomes of these investments at community and household levels. This paper presents empirical data from nine communities across three islands in Vanuatu that experienced a direct hit from category 5 tropical cyclone Pam in 2015. The research compared the actions taken by communities that had engaged in a mid- to long-term DRR program with those that had not. The DRR program prioritised disability inclusion and women’s participation in, and leadership of, the community. Early warnings were widely heard across all communities but the communities that had engaged with the DRR program had greater understanding of, and trust in, the early warnings. They took earlier and more coordinated action and were safer during the cyclone. Compared with their past experiences, there was increased respect for women’s voices and roles, women and men collaborated more, and people with disability were supported by the whole community. The research concludes that tropical cyclone early warnings are necessary but not sufficient to ensure there is community and household preparation. There is a strong case for investments in mid- to long-term DRR focused on community and household capacity, prioritising women’s active and equal participation as community leaders, and disability inclusion.