SPECIAL EDITION
15.3767° S,
166.9592° E
VANUATU
THE RISKIEST PLACE ON THE
PLANET
COMMON RISKS
OF LIVING ON
VANUATU
There are many natural disasters
such as cyclones, earthquakes and
volcanic activity. The most recent
being an earthquake, 17th
December 2024.
NOTABLE
NATURAL
DISARSTERS
December 17, 2024 Earthquake
magnitude of 7.3, struck approximately 30
kilometres west of the capital city
Cyclone Pam March 2015
winds exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph), 11
people were killed, 90% of homes in affected
areas were destroyed
Mount Yasur Eruptions (Ongoing)
been erupting for centuries, caused harm to people
living near the volcano due to ash falls, lava flows, and
toxic gases,
Cyclone Heidi January 2009
Cyclone Heidi caused heavy rains, strong
winds, and severe flooding across Vanuatu,
anuatu is an archipelago made up of about 83 islands, stretching
over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from north to south. It is
situated east of northern Australia, west of Fiji, and south of the
Solomon Islands. The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila, which is
located on the island of Efate. Vanuatu has a population of around
300,000 people. There are over 100 indigenous languages spoken
throughout the country. The official languages are Bislama, English,
and French, with Bislama being the most widely spoken. Vanuatu
gained its independence from France and the United Kingdom on
July 30, 1980. Prior to independence, it was known as the New
Hebrides. And the country is home to the Chief Roi Mata's
Domain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cyclone Pam (2015)
Date: March 2015
Cyclone Pam was a Category 5 tropical
cyclone, particularly affecting Vanuatu's
southern and central islands like Efate, Tanna,
and Erromango, While the immediate death
toll was reported to be 11 people, there were
also indirect casualties due to the long-term
effects, including food shortages, the spread of
disease, and disrupted medical services. Over
90% of homes in some affected areas were
destroyed or damaged, leaving thousands of
people homeless.