Tom Perry
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Cyclone Pam, Vanuatu

In March 2015, what was then the largest cyclone ever recorded in the Pacific struck Vanuatu. Even for the world's most disaster prone country, Cyclone Pam's impact was immense.

Through the quick action of my CARE teammates, I found myself on the very first Australian military flight into Vanuatu, around 24 hours after the cyclone had hit the country.

The experience was an extraordinary one. Working on very little sleep, by torchlight, sat phone and amidst the carnage of a country reeling from a terrifying natural disaster, my job was to bring the disaster - and the need for help - to those watching on from afar to help ensure Vanuatu had all the help it could get to deal with this life-changing event.

Some writing from my time in Vanuatu:

  • Life begins under Pam's terrifying eye
  • "If people overseas can help us, we really need it."
  • Vanuatu: Idyllic? Maybe. Resilient? Definitely.
  • Small symbols of life mean much in a post-Pam world
Date: March 2015
Client: CARE
Role: Disaster communications
URL: www.care.org.au/blog/cyclone-pam-we-need-help/
Tags: aid/development, CARE
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