Vanuatu
The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is located some 1,750 km east of Australia, 500 km north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands. The four largest islands are Espiritu Santo (3677sq km), Malekula (2023 sq km), Erromango (975sq km) and Efate (915 sq km). Efate is the main island of Vanuatu, where the capital Port Vila is situated. Vanuatu has six provinces: Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa, Shefa and Tafea. The total population of Vanuatu is approximately 272,000. The population of the capital, Port Vila, is approximately 44,000.
Vanuatu sits along a volatile seismic strip called the ‘Ring of Fire’ in the Pacific. The country is prone to significant year-round seismic and volcanic activity, with associated risks of tsunamis. There are over 2,000 seismic events reported each year, most events are small scale, although larger tremors and quakes of over 5 on the Richter scale do occur on a regular basis. The tropical cyclone season in Vanuatu normally runs from November to May. Throughout this period there is a high risk of strong winds and heavy rains with associated flooding, landslides and road closures.
Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu on 14 March 2015 with winds of up to 250 kilometres per hour, and gusts up to 350 kilometres per hour, causing widespread devastation across the country. At the request of the Government, the ETC responded to Cyclone Pam with services and ICT coordination assistance. The ETC provided data communications for the humanitarian operation at 7 sites in the country. Three months after Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu, the ETC concluded its mission in June 2015.
Between 1-9 April 2020, Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Harold hit Vanuatu with winds of up to 215 kilometres per hour causing devastation to communication networks and broadcast radio services. At the request of the Government, the ETC responded to Cyclone Harold with services and ICT coordination assistance. The ETC provided data communications for affected populations on three of the worst-hit islands - Malekula, Pentecost and Santo. The ETC also assisted Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) to restore the severely damaged broadcast radio and television transmission towers and infrastructure in Santo and Malekula. This brought key sources of information for affected communities – such as Radio Vanuatu – back on air. The ETC concluded its mission on 3 October 2020.
Contact details for the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office:
- Website: www.ndmo.gov.vu
- Telephone: +678-22699 / +678-33366
- Email: ndmo@vanuatu.gov.vu
In 2016, the National Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (NETC) was established in Vanuatu as a national coordination mechanism for emergency telecommunications in Vanuatu. The lead of the NETC is the Office of the Government CIO.
The ETC is focused on preparedness activities in Vanuatu and nearby Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, lead by WFP.
Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)
Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO)
Telecommunications Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR)
299,882
Source: World Bank 2019
Vanuatu has a population of less than 300,000 people and well over 50% of its mobile connections still access 2G services. In addition, it is one of the most vulnerable places on earth in terms of natural disasters and a substantial number of its population do not have access to electricity.
Despite this, telecoms services have progressed significantly in recent years with a liberalised market; the existence of two prominent mobile operators including Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (operating as TVL) and Digicel Vanuatu; the launch of LTE services and introduction of a rural satellite broadband service by Kacific. Over the next few years we will see an increase in both 4G LTE and 3G as 2G declines.
While fixed broadband penetration remains low in Vanuatu, the incumbent operator is slowly exchanging fixed-lines for fibre-optics and there are a number of ongoing submarine cable developments which will assist to increase speeds and lower Internet pricing.
Source: Business Wire
Vatu (VT)
4.4 (medium)
Source: INFORM Risk Index 2021
678
.vu
Voltage: 230V 50HzHz; Plug: Three Pin (Flat)
National Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (NETC)
No
There are three international airports in Vanuatu, situated in Port Vila, Efate; Luganville, Espirito Santo; and Whitesands, Tanna. It is important to note that there is no fuel depot in Tanna, so aircrafts must have enough fuel for a return journey via a refuelling port if the first porting is Tanna. It is recommended for flights to go via Port Vila or Espirito Santo first where possible.
The two international wharfs in Port Vila and Espiritu Santo are being upgraded to meet increased demands in supplies and tourism. Both wharfs are scheduled for completion in 2017 and will include cargo warehouse facilities.
There is a shortage of warehouse space in Vanuatu. Two disaster warehouses are scheduled to be built by the end of 2017: one of approximately 100m2 in Port Vila, on the corner of wharf road; and a smaller one in Luganville, close to the Provincial Disaster and Climate Change Office.
1.6
Source: ITU ICTeye 2018
80
Source: ITU ICTeye 2018
1.6
Source: ITU ICTeye 2018
44
Source: ITU ICTeye 2018
50.6 (low-med)
Source: GSMA Intelligence 2019
90
Source: GSMA Intelligence 2019
This describes some of the regulations and rules related to emergency telecommunications in Vanuatu.
This act provides for the organization, functioning, powers and responsibilities of the National Disaster Committee and the National Disaster Management Office of Vanuatu, and for the elaboration of national and provincial disaster plans.
An Act which established a new regulatory framework for telecommunications, radiocommunications and for related purposes. It established the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (“the Regulator”), its general powers and functions including other matters relating to the telecommunications sector of Vanuatu.
Drone use is allowed in Vanuatu, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country.
Operators must ensure that they follow the following drone laws when flying in Vanuatu,
- Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds
- Respect others privacy when flying your drone
- Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas were aircraft are operating
- You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
- Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited.
- Do not fly your drone higher than 400 feet
- Do not fly your drone farther than 4km
The Broadcasting and Television Act mandates the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) to administer broadcast licensing.
Tampere Convention - Vanuatu not a signatory
The Tampere Convention on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations came into force 8 January 2005, following the ratification by 30 countries.
The Tampere Convention calls on States to facilitate the provision of prompt telecommunication assistance to mitigate the impact of a disaster, and covers both the installation and operation of reliable, flexible telecommunication services. Regulatory barriers that impede the use of telecommunication resources for disasters are waived. These barriers include the licensing requirements to use allocated frequencies, restrictions on the import of telecommunication equipment, as well as limitations on the movement of humanitarian teams.
Fiji
The Fiji Islands comprise 333 islands in the South Pacific. The population of Fiji is approximately 870,000 people (Fiji Bureau of Statistics, 2015). The capital of Fiji is Suva located on the main island called Viti Levu. Viti Levu is home to approximately 70% of the country's population. The second largest island is Vanua Levu. The main airport is located in Nadi on the western side of Viti Levu. The second major airport is in Nausori, just outside of the capital Suva.
Tropical Cyclone Winston struck the Pacific island of Fiji on Saturday 20 February 2016. The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) was activated on 15 March with the World Food Programme (WFP) co-leading the communications cluster response with the Government of Fiji for TC Winston.
In 2017, the ETC worked with the Fiji NDMO to improve their HF radio network and communications room at NDMO headquarters in Suva. Since that time the ETC has supported the NDMO to run emergency telecommunications training for response actors.
Contact details and social media channels for the Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO):
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/FijiNDMO/
- Twitter: @FijiGov_RMDNDM
- Website: www.ndmo.gov.fj
- Phone: +679-3319250
The ETC is focussed on preparedness activities in Fiji and nearby Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, lead by WFP.
Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)
Department of Communications
Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF)
902,899
Source: World Bank 2021
Fiji is located south of the equator in an area known for the frequent occurrence of tropical cyclones with damaging winds, rains and storm surge. Fiji was affected by devastating cyclones multiple times in the last few decades. Fiji is situated in a relatively quiet seismic area but is surrounded by the Pacific “ring of fire,” which aligns with the boundaries of the tectonic plates. These boundaries are extremely active seismic zones capable of generating large earthquakes and, in some cases, major tsunamis traveling great distances. Local faults can also generate damaging earthquakes from time to time. Fiji is expected to incur, on average over the
long term, annual losses of US$85 million due to earthquakes and tropical cyclones. National efforts are being made for to better facilitate, coordinate and manage national disaster risk reduction and disaster management activities for disaster resilience. Efforts are being made to establish development programs aimed at building capacities at national, divisional, district and the local and community levels to ensure the safety and security of the Fiji population and its infrastructure.
Source: World Bank and Fiji NDMO
FJD (Fijian Dollar)
Source: ISO
2.80 (low)
Source: INFORM Risk 2021
679
.fj
Voltage: 240V, 50 Hz, Plug type: A, B
No
No
https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/DLCA/Fiji
8.4
Source: ITU ICTeye 2017
114.2
Source: ITU ICTeye 2017
1.4
Source: ITU ICTeye 2017
55.7
Source: ITU ICTeye 2017
60.2 (med-high)
Source: GSMA Intelligence 2019
96
Source: GSMA Intelligence 2019
This describes some of the regulations and rules related to emergency telecommunications in Fiji.
This Act seeks to make better provisions for the government and relevant agencies to perform functions and duties in relation to natural disaster management.
The Plan provides a clear vision for adaptation and identifies priorities to be addressed in partnership over the next five years, and beyond.
The Fiji Government decided to strengthen socio-economic growth through its re-farming process that will achieve the migration of analogue TV channel to Digital TV in the coming future, LTE, and other TV stations.
Tampere Convention - Fiji not a signatory
The Tampere Convention on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations came into force 8 January 2005, following the ratification by 30 countries.
The Tampere Convention calls on States to facilitate the provision of prompt telecommunication assistance to mitigate the impact of a disaster, and covers both the installation and operation of reliable, flexible telecommunication services. Regulatory barriers that impede the use of telecommunication resources for disasters are waived. These barriers include the licensing requirements to use allocated frequencies, restrictions on the import of telecommunication equipment, as well as limitations on the movement of humanitarian teams.
According to Fiji’s national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), flying a drone is legal in Fiji provided requisite authorizations are taken.
Samoa
Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa) consists of two main islands and a collection of smaller islands. The two main islands are Upolu and Savai’i. Upolu is the most populated of Samoa’s two main islands and the location of the country's capital, Apia. The population of Samoa is 195,979 recorded in the last censor dated 2016 (Samoa Bureau of Statistics website). Between the islands of Upolu and Savai’i are the smaller islands of Apolima and Manono.
In addition to the seasonal risk of cyclone, the southern edge of Samoa faces the Tonga Trench leading to the risk of tsunami and earthquake. On 29 September 2009, Samoa was hit by a tsunami, triggered by a magnitude 8.1 earthquake, that caused significant loss of life and damage to the country. Other countries that were affected by the 2009 tsunami were Tonga and American Samoa. Since then the Government of Samoa has been developing their disaster response and early warning capacity to mitigate the risks to the population from natural disasters.
Contact details and social media channels for the Samoa Disaster Management Office (DMO):
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/DMOSamoa/
- Twitter: twitter.com/DMO_Samoa
- Website: https://www.mnre.gov.ws/about-us/divisions/disaster-management-office/
- Email: dmosamoa@gmail.com
The ETC is focused on preparedness activities in Samoa and nearby Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, led by WFP.
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands consist of six large islands and over 900 smaller islands. Only one third of the total 992 islands are populated. The largest island is Guadalcanal and other major islands are Makira, San Cristobal, Vella Lavella, Choisuel, Rennel, New Georgia and Santa Cruz group. Solomon Islands are located in a seismically active region. The population of Solomon Islands is approximately 622,000 (CIA World Factboook, 2015). The capital of Solomon Islands is Honiara with a population of approximately 64,000. Honiara is located on the island of Guadalcanal.
Contact details and social media channels for the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office (NDMO):
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sineocndc
- Website: www.ndmo.gov.sb
- Email (Communications Officer): SNasiu@ndmo.gov.sb
- Phone: +677-27937 / Fax: +677-27060
The ETC is focused on preparedness activities in Solomon Islands and nearby Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, lead by WFP.
Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga is comprised of 176 islands of which 40 are inhabited. Tonga is divided into three main islands Tongatapu in the south, Ha’apai in the centre, and Vava’u in the north. The capital Nuku’alofa is on the island of Tongatapu. The population of Tonga is approximately 103,000 people (Census, 2011). Approximately 70% of the country's population reside on the main island of Tongatapu.
Tonga faces disaster risk and threats from earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, tropical cyclones, and climate change related events such as droughts, sea level rise, flooding and erosion of low-lying areas. Tonga lies about 200 km west of the Tonga Trench fault zone, where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Australian Plate. Tonga is also located within the Ring of Fire that runs around the Pacific Ocean and where most seismic activities occurs.
The Tonga National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) was established under the Emergency Management Act 2007. The NEMO's primary function is to coordinate disaster risk reduction (DRR) and emergency management activities in the Kingdom of Tonga. A national cluster system was created under the coordination structure of the NEMO in 2015, and the national clusters in Tonga are lead by relevant line ministries. The national Telecommunications Cluster is lead by the Department of Communications under the Ministry of MEIDECC.
The contact details of the Tonga NEMO are:
- Phone: +676-26340
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/NEMOTONGA/
The ETC is focussed on preparedness activities in Tonga and nearby Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, lead by WFP.
The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO)
Ministry of MEIDECC (Meteorology, Energy, Information Technology, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, Communications)
Department of Communications
106,921
Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/tonga-population
The Kingdom of Tonga is a Polynesian country that lies to the south of Samoa, southeast of Fiji and north east of New Zealand. The Tongan archipelago is comprised of 176 islands. The islands are divided into four main groups – Tongatapu, Ha'apai and Vava'u and the Niuas.
Tonga’s climate is tropical and is defined by a wet season from November to April with moderate and variable rainfall, and a dry season from May to October. The wettest months are January, February, and March with precipitation exceeding 250 mm of rainfall per month. During the dry season, precipitation per month is less than 250 mm. The mean annual temperature in Tonga varies from 26°C to 23°C. During the wet season, the average temperature ranges from 25°C–26°C, whereas during the dry season the average temperature ranges from 21°C-24°C. Climate in Tonga and this portion of the Pacific in general is governed by a number of factors, which include the trade winds and the movement of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ), a zone of high-pressure rainfall that migrates across the Pacific south of the equator. Year-to-year variability in climate is also strongly influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the south-east Pacific, which can bring prolonged drought conditions and contribute to a depletion of potable water, and tropical cyclones that occur during the wet season, causing extensive damage to local infrastructure, agriculture, and major food sources.
Sources: https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/tonga/tonga-country-brief#:~:text=Overview,a%20population%20of%20approximately%20106%2C000.
https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/tonga/climate-data-historical#:~:text=Tonga's%20climate%20is%20tropical%20and,mm%20of%20rainfall%20per%20month.
Tongan paʻanga
7
59
4.73
58.7
57.3
99
Emergency Management Act (2007)
This Act provides the legal framework for all emergency and disaster risk management policies, procedure and programming in Tonga.
Source: https://ago.gov.to/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2007/2007-0014/EmergencyManagementAct_2.pdf
Communications Act (2015)
Communication Act 2015 establishes powers and functions between the Ministry of Communications and the Regulator and their key roles by assigning procedures and regulations on how to administer the communication services across the country.
Source: https://ago.gov.to/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2015/2015-0026/CommunicationsAct2015_1.pdf
Civil Aviation Rules (2016)
There are active drone laws in Tonga. Drones are only permitted to fly during daylight hours and drones are not permitted to fly higher than 120 meters (394 feet) above the ground.
Source: https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-tonga/#:~:text=Drones%20are%20only%20permitted%20to,394%20feet)%20above%20the%20ground.
Tampere Convention
The Tampere Convention was ratified in 8 May 2003.
Marshall Islands (RMI)
The Marshall Islands is comprised of two parallel island chains of 29 atolls (made up of many islets), and 5 islands in the North Pacific Ocean (about halfway between Hawaii and Australia). The two island chains are known as Ratak (meaning “sunrise”) and Ralik (meaning “sunset”), respectively. The chains lie about 200 kilometres apart and extend almost 1300km northwest to southeast. Majuro atoll is the capital of the country, and government offices are located in the town of Delap-Uliga-Djarrit, named for three islands that were once separated and later joined by landfill. Marshall Islands’ nearest neighbours are Wake Island (north), Kiribati and Nauru (south), and the Federated States of Micronesia (west).
The estimated population of the Marshall Islands is approximately 73,000 people (CIA World Factbook 2017). The most populous atolls are Majuro and Kwajalein which together have almost 75% of the country’s total population. The rest of the population lives in traditional villages on the outer islands away from the two urban centres (Encyclopaedia Britannica 2017).
The Marshall Islands consist of approximately 180 sq. kilometres of land spread across just under 2,000,000 sq. kilometres of ocean. These characteristics make it vulnerable to natural disasters, and effects of climate change (US State Department 2017).
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
Palau
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) website states that "Palau is an island nation of the Micronesian group of islands in the northern Pacific with a population of roughly 20,000. Palau receives substantial assistance from the United States through the Compact of Free Association. Palau's economy is highly reliant on tourism and services, with tourism accounting for more than 20% of gross domestic product (GDP) and services representing 77%.
The ICT sector is widely recognized as an enabler of economic growth, social stability and development. Analysis has demonstrated that increased access to ICT, particularly broadband internet services, helps to deliver improved social services such as health and education, as well as banking among others. It brings efficiency and reduces the cost of such services and in turn enables an environment conducive to private sector investments.
At present, Palau relies entirely on geo-stationary satellite links for internet connectivity. The high cost and limited international bandwidth restricts internet penetration. Moreover, the technical limitations of capacity and the delay associated with such satellite based connectivity severely limit the quality of the service. As an interim solution Palau and FSM telecom providers have separately contracted for a five-year 150 megabit (MB) per second service from a medium earth orbit satellite broadband service starting end-2014. Once the submarine cable system is operational the satellite system will complement the more reliable cable system providing back-up in case of an interruption." The current estimated date for the physical completion of the submarine cable landing station in Palau is 30 September 2018.
The ETC is focussed on preparedness activities in Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, lead by WFP. The Pacific ETC intends to conduct an emergency ICT assessment in Palau through close consultation with national stakeholders.
Kiribati
The Republic of Kiribati is made up of three main island groups: The Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands and one isolated raised limestone island, Banaba (Ocean Island). The groups of islands contain 33 scattered atoll islands, dispersed over 3.5 million square kilometers in the central Pacific Ocean. The three main island groups stretch over 800 kilometers from north to south and over 3,210 kilometers from east to west. The Kiribati 2010 census determined that the total population was 103,058. Almost 50% of the population lives in the capital of South Tarawa (in the Gilbert Islands).
The climate of Kiribati is hot and humid year around. This tropical climate is closely related to the temperature of the oceans surrounding the atolls and small islands. However, its seasonal rainfall is highly variable from year to year, mostly due to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Kiribati has a vast ocean territory and the coutry is limited in its land area and terrestrial resources. The public sector dominates Kiribati’s economy. It provides two-thirds of all formal sector employment and accounts for almost 50% of gross domestic product. Kiribati is highly exposed to external economic shocks, particularly surges in food and fuel commodity prices, due to its limited revenue base and high dependency on imports.
Kiribati is categorised by the United Nations as both a ‘Small Island Developing State’ (SIDS) and a ‘Least Developed Country’ (LDC).
For NDMO contacts, visit the Kiribati country page on the Pacific Climate Change portal.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu is located roughly halfway between Australia and Hawaii. Its nine islands cover 26 square kilometres yet its exclusive economic zone covers an enormous 900,000 square kilometres of ocean. Half of the country’s 12,000 population lives in the capital Funafuti, with the remainder spread thinly around the outer islands (UNISDR).
Contact details for the Tuvalu National Disaster Management Office - Tel: +688-20815 / +688-901691.
For further information, visit the Tuvalu country page on the Pacific Climate Change portal.
The World Food Programme (WFP), global lead of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), is actively working on ETC preparedness activities in the Pacific Island region. In September 2015, WFP opened an office in Suva, Fiji, to support emergency preparedness in three sectors - Food Security, Logistics, and Emergency Telecommunications - across the Pacific Islands. On 30 November 2016, the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster for the Pacific was officially activated under the structure of the Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT).
In 2016, WFP prioritised the following Pacific Island Countries for national engagement for ETC preparedness: Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. WFP is working to expand its engagement into North Pacific Island countries such as the Marshall Islands (RMI), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Palau, Kiribati, and Tuvalu.
The Pacific ETC preparedness project is receiving funding support from the Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). The Pacific ETC also acknowledges support received from ETC standby partner, MSB.
Email: Pacific.ETC@wfp.org
Telephone (Fiji): +679-331-6193
Led by: Supported by:
