27 January 2025, Port Vila – In response to the 17 December 2024 earthquake, the Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong redy, adapt mo protekt (VanKIRAP) project has delivered vital technological support to enhance the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department’s (VMGD) capacity to manage seismic data, ensuring timely alerts and lifesaving warnings for communities across the nation.
Through a partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), VanKIRAP provided 40 terabytes (TB) of Network-Attached Storage (NAS).
The earthquake underscored the urgent need for robust data infrastructure as VMGD’s 20 seismic observation sites inundated the department with critical real-time data.
Facing storage limitations, VMGD Director, Mr. Levu Antfalo reached out to SPREP for assistance. VanKIRAP, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), swiftly answered the call, with Project Manager, Mr. Sunny Seuseu presenting the NAS system to VMGD on 21 December.
“This support is a lifeline for Vanuatu,” said Mr. Antfalo. “The 40TB storage allows our analysts to process vast seismic datasets without delay, ensuring we can issue accurate alerts and protect our people. This wouldn’t be possible without GCF’s funding and VanKIRAP’s rapid action.”
The NAS system enables VMGD’s seismic team to store, access, and analyse data from remote monitoring stations, including vital metrics on aftershocks and tectonic movements. This capability is crucial for informing evacuation plans, infrastructure assessments, and public safety communications.
Mr. Seuseu emphasised the collaboration’s broader significance.
“Through GCF’s support, VanKIRAP is not just addressing climate resilience but also strengthening disaster preparedness. Reliable data is the backbone of effective warning systems, and this NAS ensures VMGD can safeguard communities during crises,” said Mr. Seuseu.
The partnership between VanKIRAP, SPREP, and VMGD highlights the critical role of international climate financing in disaster resilience. As Vanuatu faces escalating geohazards, such collaborations ensure the nation is equipped to protect its citizens. Mr. Antfalo expressed his gratitude to GCF and SPREP, noting, “This is a leap forward in our journey towards a safer, more resilient Vanuatu.”
With Phase 2 of VanKIRAP under discussion, stakeholders aim to expand these efforts, integrating advanced technologies for comprehensive risk management across the Pacific.
About VanKIRAP:
Funded by the Green Climate Fund and co-implemented by SPREP and VMGD, VanKIRAP strengthens climate and disaster resilience through tailored information services and infrastructure support in Vanuatu.