Ambae villagers in Vanuatu learn new ways to cope in disaster

(RNZI) People in two remote villages on the Vanuatu island of Ambae are learning new ways to survive disasters like cyclones and earthquakes.

In the run-up to the cyclone season, Tagui and Lolovoli villagers are taking part in a pilot project run by the United Nations Development Programme and the Vanuatu government.

A Disaster Risk Management Specialist with the UNDP Sunil Gurung says instead of simply receiving aid the villagers are organising and educating themselves so they can better deal with natural hazards.

“They are coping with the disaster in their own traditional way. If the communities have a good plan, they have a response plan, disaster management plan, they can survive themselves.”

Sunil Gurung of the United Nations Development Programme.