Outline of the Project

Project Name

Project for Enhanching the Capacity of Issuing Earthquake, Tsunami and Storm Surge Information

Country

Vanuatu

Date R/D Signed

Jul. 13, 2017

Project Site

Port Vila, 2 pilot communities in Port Vila and Luganville

Term of Cooperation

Mar. 27, 2019 to Mar. 26, 2022

Implementing Organization

Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD), National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)

Background

Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific Region and has extremely high risk of earthquake, tsunami, cyclone flooding, etc., which ranked as the highest risk country for natural disasters on ‘World Risk Report 2018' published by United Nation University. Hence, disaster risk reduction (DRR), especially against earthquake and tsunami disasters, is critical issue in Vanuatu to prepare for future disasters and to secure the safety of residents.

Based on "Meteorology, Geological Hazards and Climate Change Act 2016 (Act No. 25 of 2016)", and "National Disaster Management Risk Act No. 31", Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) have responsibilities for observation, forecasting, analysis, warning and information dissemination in meteorological and seismic fields in Vanuatu. National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is responsible for coordination of emergency operation and awareness to the related organizations and communities.

The Government of Vanuatu (GOV) recognized the necessity to strengthen the capacity of VMGD for seismic and tidal monitoring and timely and appropriate information dissemination to organizations and residents in cooperation with NDMO. Therefore, the GOV submitted the official request for technical cooperation to the Government of Japan. Based on the approval of the request, JICA has implemented the Detailed Planning Survey in November 2016 and as a result of the survey, both GOV and JICA agreed with the project framework and signed Record of Discussions (R/D) which describes the details of the Project.

The Overall Goal

VMGD and NDMO have disseminated relevant data and practical information about earthquake, tsunami and storm surge to related organizations and residents timely and appropriately manner.

Project Purpose

VMGD's capacity for monitoring earthquake, tsunami and storm surge is enhanced, and the function of VMGD and NDMO to disseminate information to related organizations and to the public is improved.

Output

1. VMGD's capacities of seismic and tide observation, equipment maintenance are enhanced.
2. VMGD staff's capacities for analyzing and utilizing seismic and tide data are enhanced.
3. The capacities of VMGD and NDMO for disseminating relevant data and practical information are enhanced.

Project Activities

1-1	To enhance real-time seismic monitoring network
1-2	To enhance real-time tide monitoring network
1-3	To enhance the capacity of VMGD staff for operating and maintaining seismic and tide observation equipment
2-1	To study present method for analyzing and utilizing seismic and tidel data in VMGD
2-2	To enhance the capacity of VMGD staff for calculating seismic parameter
2-3	To enhance the capacity of VMGD staff for utilizing seismic data from seismographs and seismic intensity monitors
2-4	To enhance the capacity of VMGD staff for analyzing tide data
2-5	To collect and compile historical earthquake and tsunami records for tsunami advisory and information
2-6	To enhance the capacity of VMGD staff for tsunami and strom surge analysis and prediction
3-1	To study the flow of disaster-related information
3-2	To enhance the capacity of VMGD for making timely and effective information about earthquake, tsunami and storm surge
3-3	To enhance the capacities of VMGD and NDMO for disseminating information through media (e-mail, website, SNS, SMS, TV, Radio, etc.)
3-4	To enhance the capacities of VMGD and NDMO for public awareness activities.

Inputs

[Japanese side]
Dispatch of Experts, Training in Japan, Provision of Equipment

[Vanuatu side]
Counterpart Personnel, Facility and Equipment, Project Implementation Budget