Our first priorities were rather obvious: food, shelter, healthcare. We were utterly amazed on both the housing and physical wellness fronts … houses were being pieced back together early Saturday morning (before the last of the winds had even died down!), and there were incredibly few injuries as a result of the storm (and “only” 11 deaths in a country of 250,000 - unbelievable statistic for a developing island nation that endured a super-slow moving Cat 5 cyclone). So, our primary focus early on was food and water.
A saving grace for Vanuatu to bounce back so quickly following the storm was the fact that shipping channels and processes were already in existence. Vanuatu imports the vast majority of food and goods consumed, and so containers of rice and other staples were on their way early, practically before the storm even passed. This fact meant that there was basically never a shortage of food in the stores, even in the outer islands. Of course, locals are not used to having to purchase 100% of their food, and so there was definitely a need for assistance. Thankfully, there was little-to-no looting or similar crimes in the aftermath of the storm.
We made the rounds early on, mostly in person, visiting with our friends and family to see what types of assistance we could provide. The government was able to formulate a food distribution plan fairly quickly, but it was (understandably) a bit slow to implement as a primary step in the process was taking an impromptu census in all affected areas in an effort to ensure equality in any and all future distributions. Many churches, aid organizations, and private citizens were instrumental in filling the gap during the crucial first few days.
I should also mention, on the food-front, that the locals were keenly aware of the need to go to their gardens as soon as possible to salvage what fruits and vegetables they could, either by harvesting immediately or replanting. They then consumed things based on their longevity - eating first those items that would spoil first.
The public utilities company (along with cell and internet providers) are to be commended for how quickly they were able to be back online. While we were without mains power at our house for almost five weeks, we had water service (much more important) back within 24 hours of the storm. Early access to clean water throughout Port Vila town made a world of difference. For the first month, we made almost daily water runs to Etas and Epau Villages, filling up 25 liter water containers in town and delivering them to our local contacts, who in turn shared them generously with their neighbors. For a longer term solution, we were able to supply several large water tanks in strategic areas, along with simple water filtration systems, that will provide water to many hundred people in the months and years to come.
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