SPC Geoscience Division

With a history of 25 hurricanes, 21 volcanic activity events, three earthquakes and three gales in the past 26 years, Vanuatu has been able to document the impact of disasters upon the country’s development, and determine areas where future spending should take place.

At the recently held SPC/SOPAC Division’s 3rd Session of the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management, the high-level discussions included disaster risk financing and a pilot insurance project.

As an immediate outcome of the Platform, a joint SPC/SOPAC Division - World Bank mission to Vanuatu has taken place to further develop these discussions. During his dialogue with the mission representatives, the Hon. Moana Carcasses, Minister of Finance and Economic Management expressed Vanuatu’s interest in participating in the pilot Pacific Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Programme.

RAINWATER can be a good supplement to the country's water needs if tapped into and used effectively. It is useful and free but a highly under utilised freshwater resource, especially in cities and towns. But a large proportion of people living in rural areas and outer islands have their own rainwater tanks for water supply.

The Secretariat for the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission said rainwater was generally considered as a safe source of water supply. SOPAC's water services coordinator, Tasleem Hasan said contamination of rainwater only occured with the collection and storage methods.