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Update from Tom Partridge, s/v Adina
We are sailing in Vanuatu at the moment and have been helping get aid out post Cyclone Pam and trying our best to give information to the many OCC members who are wanting to come and help. One member told me he had seen our piece providing advice on helping in Vanuatu on an OCC forum and promptly printed it out and had it posted up in Savu Savu and Vuda Marina. That 's the power of your forums.
It 's just been fabulous to be part of a club that genuinely wants to help. When we visited one village they had literally given up on the government and aid agencies and and couldn 't believe yachties who they see from time to time arrive wanting to help. And all credit to the villagers - my endearing image is of the man who sat counting each and every nail and sharing them fair and square. Very humbling.
I’m hoping to submit something to Flying Fish on Cyclone Pam aid.
All the best for now
Tom
Vice Commodore, OCC
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Update from Yacht Adina
Hello All,
We thought we would write a quick update on Adina 's progress on getting the aid out that we are carrying from various kind donors, as a few of you have asked for updates. This email is mainly aimed at sailing friends/cruisers who are planning to come to Vanuatu and want to bring aid. It is our personal view of what to expect/how to help etc, based on our experiences to date.
Please bear in mind, we are sending this using our sat phone so while we welcome replies, remember to start a new email and not reply to this one.
WHERE WE 'VE BEEN SO FAR:
We chose to head north from Efate where the capital, Port Vila, is situated and we had been based for the cyclone season. Our first stop, we anchored in Sulua Bay (17°02.974 'S, 168°22.300 'E) on the island of Emae, one of the Shepherd Islands. After this we had planned to continue north and stop on the south of the island Epi, but with strong trade winds and heeding local knowledge we were advised it wouldn 't be safe to anchor. So we headed to the south-west of Epi and anchored at rolly Ivo/Nelson Bay (16°45.747 'S, 168° 09.157 'E). Here we did a quick assessment of two local villages who had been less impacted by the cyclone so hired a 4WD to take us to the village of Votlo on South Epi, knowing that village needed help.
We chose these areas based on advice from Port Vila local charity ProMedical, Sam and Jess of Kaleva Yacht Service and a report on Epi compiled by chiefs kindly given to us by David and Lynn of the Butterfly Trust.
Considering the islands worst affected by the cyclone, our thinking on sailing north from Port Vila was defined by the fact that we know Tanna and Erromango are getting help from current aid efforts and cruisers arriving from New Zealand and that the Shepherd Islands close to Efate, within reach of local day boats, are similarly getting aid. The anchorage on Emae is 38nm to the north of Havannah Harbour in north Efate and beyond the reach of small local boats. Epi is 22nm north from there.
OUR EXPERIENCE ON EMAE:
On arrival in Emae we took a few supplies and went to the village of Tapakoro where we spoke to the chief, Usamoli Samuel (phone: +678 7741702). Their village has been very badly damaged from the cyclone. The majority of houses were lost, their crops were destroyed, water tanks damaged and they lost some cattle. They had harvested some crops before the cyclone and are still eating those now; they have replanted some of the crops that they saved and already have island cabbage (like spinach) growing.
They seemed a very well organised and harmonious village. There are 11 families, around 40 people. Typically positive, they have been clearing up (using 2 chainsaws from the government) and rebuilding what they can with what they have got. They have very limited materials to work with.
Asking them what they need, building materials and food were the biggest request. They have implemented a community project of planting quick-growing crops. No-one is starving but they were very grateful of anything and estimate it will be 3 months before crops are growing sufficiently that they will be able to feed themselves.
We arranged to meet at the beach the next morning and in advance we asked the chief if he would help in ensuring our small aid was fairly shared and to invite another village. The next morning people from both Tapakoro and Veima villages came down to the beach and carried the supplies to Tapakoro where it was placed in a communal hall. The chief kindly thanked us for coming to help saying it was a complete surprise and in turn we did a quick speech saying the goods were from donations from friends.
Our goods were taken to a central point and each household had a bowl into which all food was divided, fair and square. Then all the kitchenware, plates, bowls, toiletries etc. were shared out too. Even the clothing was equally shared and caused much amusement for the man trying to distribute it. They went to the extent of sharing the nails out one-by-one and even took the 600m of rope and worked out each household got 37.5m. All axes, hammers, saws and things like tarpaulins became communal property.
Susie ran a basic first aid clinic treating around 20 people with various cuts, sores etc.
The things they have asked for and we agree they need quickly are more building materials, food, water and seeds to replant crops.
OUR EXPERIENCE ON SOUTH EPI:
When we arrived we visited two villages. While we saw some damage in the form of damaged huts/roofs had been sustained, it was not at the same level as Emae. Crops have been damaged but we could still see the likes of tarot growing (a common root vegetable). While it was a tough call, we decided to stick to our original plan and asked a villager if we could arrange transport to get to South Epi to the village of Votlo. A bumpy, fun ride on poor roads, 1h30min later we arrived. It was immediately evident that they sustained a lot more damage. Most houses were flattened. They have some tarpaulins, have planted new crops but food and water are still in short supply. The school is closed due to damage. Water is hauled from a distance off. With time short for our hired truck, in the presence of the chief and all the people of the village we handed over the aid, explained it all, walked around the village and offered basic medical help but the chief said everyone was well. It was a shame we had to leave after a short while but people were again very appreciative.
Our overall experience is that the Shepherd Islands and South Epi still need more assistance.
WHAT TO BRING
Key requirements seem to be building materials and food at this stage.
- Bring building materials including nails (lots!), hammers, saws, axes, strong rope. Please buy cyclone proof style nails for roofs, these are readily available in the hardware stores in Port Vila (Wilco, Port Vila Hardware). More secure are cyclone proof screws, but these require a drill and as islanders do not have these or the power for them, get the twisted nails with round heads. The lengths of nails we understand used for traditional roofs are 6", 4" and 2". Traditional natangura used for roofs is expected to take one to three years to grow.
- For food, we supplied tinned meat and fish, rice, tea bags, powdered milk, Milo powdered drink and biscuits. Powdered milk was popular. A packet of biscuits gets a big smile. One man told us the rice we gave (approximately 3kg per household) would feed his small family for about 2 weeks. We bought everything in Port Vila from the Bon Marche Warehouse (you can buy in bulk here, by the box load).
- Kitchen utensils were mentioned as being in need - we supplied plastic plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, cooking utensils, cleaning cloths, towels, buckets. These can be sourced from one of the many Chinese shops in Port Vila - we chose Uncle Bill 's in the centre of town on 'Chinese Alley '.
- Few were thinking about health and we supplied anti-bacterial soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. For anyone she treated, Susie gave extra antiseptic wipes, plasters, wound dressings etc. for them to use themselves for the next few days. She also reminded everyone to wash hands before cooking, after using the toilet and for children, to wash around their neck/upper chest, underarm and groin areas (based on advice from medics seeing children with rashes/infections in those areas) - this always got a giggle from the children as she stood demonstrating where to wash.
- People seemed to have recovered their limited clothing from the cyclone but any clothes will be greatly appreciated.
OUR ADVICE ON HOW TO APPROACH GIVING AID
- Think realistically about what/how much you have and who you can help. Far better to make a meaningful difference to one village than spread yourself thin over several villages.
- First and foremost ask to speak to the chief. Chiefs are friendly, helpful people and there are no formal ceremonies as in Fiji. If the chief isn 't there, many villages have elders who you could also talk to.
- Do try and reach out to villages beyond those at the anchorages. It 's not easy, but talk to a chief and ask him if he knows other villages that need help. You may need to hire transport.
- Try and do a self-assessment before you start giving things. Start with general chit-chat - what was it like, where did they stay during the cyclone? Ask how much damage was done? Look around the village, ask what aid they have received, what food they have, what crops they have/are growing? Ask about re-building efforts, what the community is doing? Try your best and just use common sense, none of us are disaster recovery experts.
- You 'll find people are getting on with life, making the best of things. You 'll probably be there when building efforts are well under way, and crops are starting to grow.
- You will find the locals a little shy in asking what they want so you may need to prompt them on their needs. You will usually find English is spoken by at least some of the village, and if not, try French.
- Once you have picked your village tell the chief what you can give and your plans. Tell him you want everything shared and ask him how he can help organise it. If time permits, return the next day as with our case in Emae, they planned themselves and were keen to show us they would share everything.
- Expect a small speech from the chief. In return, it 's good to stand-up and say a few words and explain where your aid came from and why you are there. This is normal and courteous throughout Vanuatu and you 'll get a healthy applause and a lot of smiles.
- Explain everything you have bought. In particular, explain any toiletries and any basic medical aid. Encourage hygiene as children have been getting sick.
- You will most likely get some small offering in return, this is Vanuatu culture. Typically some crop, perhaps a craft; if they give you food, pick a little thing and tell them they should keep the rest.
- Tell them what skills you have and how you can help. Cruisers have always been relied on to help fix things. Things will appear from non-functioning water pumps to broken personal DVD players.
- Try catch some fish - bring it ashore to share and expect a crowd.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If possible, please spend your donor money in Port Vila where there are plenty of supplies especially food and hardware. The hardware stores are well stocked with re-building materials and you can get them VAT-free if you explain they are for rebuilding after the cyclone. Most importantly, your money goes into the local economy.
Do download the free guide 'All Ports Lead to Vanuatu ' from www.cruisingvanuatu.info for everything you need to know about Vanuatu. A quality production.
For up-to-date advice, Port Vila locals and experts Sam and Jess of KYS are trying to co-ordinate cruiser help, together with Eric and Anne Simmons who produce the cruising guide and David and Lynn of the Butterfly Trust who know these islands well. All in cc on this email.
The longer you stay in an anchorage, the more you will be absorbed into the community and the harder you will find it to leave. Remember, after your efforts helping, in the more northern islands unaffected by the cyclone, things like land diving in Pentecost are still on in April/May/June. Please visit! We can assure you of the adventure of a lifetime with the nicest, friendliest people possible who will be so appreciative of your visit.
We hope this information helps you, please share it with others so that more can be done for this wonderful country blighted by a cyclone but determined to stand proud once more.
Kind regards,
Tom and Susie
www.yachtadina.co.uk
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Very good summary article about progress made in Vanuatu appears in Practical Boat Owner.
http://www.pbo.co.uk/news/sailors-continue-to-help-cyclone-stricken-pacific-islanders-20885
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We shall have 3 OceansWatch project yachts headed from New Zealand in May and another later in the season. In addition we have support yachts travelling from Australia and Fiji. We shall liaise closer to the time with NDMO Vanuatu to see what is the best way we can help. We are working closely with communities hit by the Cyclone in Temotu. We have fundraised and have a volunteer there now with a good range of chainsaw equipment clearing fallen and dangerous trees. Bigger trees are being milled to provide timber for rebuilding. We have employed a local liaison person to give us detailed assessments and ensure our help is appropriately utilised. He is in Honiara right now buying seeds and garden tools. Our yacht teams are focusing on longer term recovery and resilience and shall be refurbishing and resupplying Clinics and First Aid posts.
Cheers, Chris
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Hello All
Quick update from Adina in Vanuatu. We are now in Havannah Harbour preparing to sail to the Shepard Islands and Epi to help wherever we can. We are laden down with building materials, tarpaulins, food, basic first aid, and clothing.
Please keep in touch if you need any help. There are too many unfounded rumours about customs etc. being bounded around whilst we have had nothing but kind help. And I 'd also encourage people to please spend aid money in Port Vila as it is well stocked and that money goes to the local economy. The government is assisting by making building materials VAT free.
For us, it 's just wonderful to see friends changing sailing plans to include coming to Vanuatu. Good luck with all your efforts.
Kind regards
Tom
www.yachtadina.co.uk
Vice Commodore, OCC
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Daria,
Thanks, I sent out an email blast asking our readers to contribute to WorldVision, who is on the ground now with help. They will need a lot of help for a long time. One of my readers is a doctor who works with them. He says 100% of the funds sent for a particular event go to that event.
Bob Bitchin
bob@cruisingoutpost.com
530-589-7979
www.cruisingoutpost.com
Vice Commodore, OCC
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This just in from Sea Mercy:
Thank you for the promotion of our program and how people can help. It is still chaotic as the local and international aid organizations try to coordinate all the NGO 's and international aid assistance to those in need. We hope to relieve the concern for the remote islands and citizens that have not received a great deal of aid attention due to a lack of delivery vessels.
Current Update:
• We have three vessels (s/v Salsa, s/v Lil Explorers, and s/v Chez Nous) standing by in Fiji to begin operations in Vanuatu once our paperwork has been cleared (we hope to have this approved by Monday, March 30th). We have additional vessels moving toward Fiji & Vanuatu with arrival plans from April through June (m/v Buffalo Nickel, s/v La Quilta, s/v Baies Du Monde, s/v Sea Angel, others standing by).
• Our Disaster Response Coordinator, John Ivey, arrives in Nadi, Fiji on March 31. While there he will be purchasing and organizing aid packages for the DR Fleet to carry as they depart the first week of April (food, medical supplies, tools, shelter, etc.). Nigel Skeggs, Managing Director at The Port Denarau Marina in Nadi has donated temporary storage facilities for staging of our in-kind donations prior to our vessels departing. If you have local members who would be able to donate supplies, please have them contact Nigel or us for drop-off instructions (nigel@denaraumarina.com).
• John Ivey will then fly to Vanuatu on April 1 to begin coordinating the arrival and scheduling of our DR Vessels with the NDMO and MOH operations for delivering aid and services to the remote islands.
In addition to the medical staff and supplies being sent, we are negotiating to have a commercial (heavy duty) watermaker shipped to Fiji and installed on our lead vessel Dragonfly (add to her existing low volume watermaker) to provide her with the ability to generate additional emergency water for the remote island villages at each stop. Your donation is greatly appreciated and will help us to provide the care and services to the remote islands that are often in the greatest need, but are generally the last to see international aid delivered to them.
If possible, please share our Disaster Relief for Vanuatu fundraising page (http://www.seamercy.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=20) with your professional and personal network and encourage them to make a donation to support Sea Mercy 's efforts on the remote islands (or to donate to other international aid organizations supporting the disaster relief efforts in Vanuatu). I have attached a few items to help explain the programs and services we provide our island nation partners in the South Pacific and the impact they are having there. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions.
Please feel free to share the above information with your members and community. We are constantly encouraged by the hearts and offers of assistance from the international sailing and boating communities. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
All the best to you,
Richard Hackett
President & Founder
Sea Mercy
www.seamercy.org
info@seamercy.org
541-935-5846
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[attachment=212]VanuatuReliefFlyer.pdf[/attachment]
[attachment=213]SeaMercyBrochure2015.pdf[/attachment]
[attachment=214]2014-AYearofImpact.pdf[/attachment]
[attachment=215]AugustNewsletter2014.pdf[/attachment]
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Hello everyone,
Darramy greetings from the UK. At present we are back in the UK for a couple more weeks. and have been following the sad news of Cyclone Pam decimating Vanuatu especially the outer islands.
Vanuatu is our next group islands to visit, and we understand that the people are every bit as lovely as the people we met in Fiji last year. The people make places special especially on the more remote islands.
We get back to Darramy in Fiji, mid April and will set out for Vanuatu as soon as the boat is ready. Over the years we have had some fantastic times visiting these wonderful places, and feel we would like to put something back and we will be offering to help with the relief efforts before we head to Australia. It will take a long time for these people to rebuild their lives.
There are various relief agencies around, but a couple stand out as they are small voluntary organisations which seem to get to the heart of the outlying areas. there are also members of the OCC (Ocean Cruising Club) who like ourselves will be offering assistance.
Yep this is where I actually ask you to consider sending a small donation to them.
So without further ado, check out these sites and see if you can help.
http://www.seamercy.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=20
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/cyclonepamrelief
Please pass these sites on to your friends and colleagues
Take Care and thanks
Brian and Sue
S/V Darramy
Vice Commodore, OCC
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