Cyclone Preparedness & Response Training

HELPR-1 has assisted in executing three cyclone preparedness training exercises.

Shefa and Sanma Province Training

To prepare communities to respond during and after a cyclone event Respond Global delivers cyclone preparedness and response training aboard HELPR-1, in partnership with Global Support and Development. The five-day training program focuses on two distinct cohorts of responders:

• Post-cyclone debris removal teams (chainsaw and other tools), and,
• Leadership and coordination during a disaster.

The course is a unique blend of coordinator and operational roles, with participants from the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Organisation, Provincial officials from the Ministry of Health, Police, Red Cross, Local Area Councils and Maritime Safety, as well as local NGOs.

In an intensive week, attendees practice working within an Incident Management System (IMS) run by the Provincial Government (PEOC), receive technical training in safe chainsaw use and debris removal, and participate in a full-scale simulation exercise.

HELPR-1 serves as the accommodation, teaching venue, and moving base for all exercises and simulations that are delivered on various islands in the north Efate region during an action-packed week.

HELPR-1’s marine crew also attend the course and were called upon to put their debris-clearing training into immediate practice when Category 2 Cyclone Irene hit Port Vila in January 2023 and subsequently Cyclones Kevin, Judy, and Lola later that year.