DOCSLIB.ORG

Situation Analysis of Children in Tuvalu ©United Nations Children’S Fund (UNICEF), Pacific Office, Suva

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Situation Analysis of Children in Tuvalu ©United Nations Children’S Fund (UNICEF), Pacific Office, Suva Situation Analysis of Children in Tuvalu ©United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Pacific Office, Suva December 2017 This report was written by Kirsten Anderson, Ruth Barnes, Awaz Raoof and Carolyn Hamilton, with the assistance of Laura Mertsching, Jorun Arndt, Karin Frode, Safya Benniche and Kristiana Papi. Maurice Dunaiski contributed to the chapters on Health and WASH. Further revision to the Child Protection chapter was done by Shelley Casey. The report was commissioned by UNICEF Pacific, which engaged Coram International, at Coram Children’s Legal Centre, to finalise the Tuvalu Situation Analysis. The Situation Analyses were managed by a Steering Committee within UNICEF Pacific and UNICEF EAPRO, whose members included: Andrew Colin Parker; Gerda Binder (EAPRO); Iosefo Volau; Laisani Petersen; Lemuel Fyodor Villamar; Maria Carmelita Francois; Settasak Akanimart; Stanley Gwavuya (Vice Chair), Stephanie Kleschnitzki (EAPRO); Uma Palaniappan; Vathinee Jitjaturunt (Chair) and Waqairapoa Tikoisuva. The contents of the report do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of UNICEF. UNICEF accepts no responsibility for error. Any part of this publication may be freely reproduced with appropriate acknowledgement. Suggested citation. United Nations Children’s Fund, Situation Analysis of Children in Tuvalu, UNICEF, Suva, 2017 Cover Image: UNICEF Pacific/2017 Situation Analysis of Children in Tuvalu 2 Situation Analysis of Children in Tuvalu Table of Contents Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................4 Acronyms ....................................................................................................................................8 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................10 1.1. Purpose and scope ..................................................................................................10 1.2. Conceptual framework ............................................................................................ 11 1.3. Methods and limitations .........................................................................................13 1.4. Governance and validation .....................................................................................14 2. Context...........................................................................................................................15 2.1. Geography and demographics ................................................................................16 2.2. Main disaster and climate risks ...............................................................................17 2.3. Government and political context ............................................................................19 2.4. Socio-economic context ..........................................................................................20 2.5. Legislative and policy framework ............................................................................24 2.6. Treaty body monitoring ...........................................................................................25 3. Health and Nutrition .....................................................................................................26 3.1. Child mortality .........................................................................................................27 3.2. Child health, immunization and communicable diseases ........................................29 3.3. Maternal health .......................................................................................................31 3.4. Violence against women and girls ...........................................................................31 3.5. Adolescent health ...................................................................................................32 3.5.1. Fertility and contraceptive use .....................................................................32 3.5.2. HIV/AIDS and STIs .......................................................................................33 3.5.3. Substance abuse..........................................................................................34 3.5.4. Mental health ...............................................................................................36 3.6 Nutrition ..................................................................................................................36 3.6.1. Child stunting and wasting ...........................................................................37 3.6.2. Low birth weight and underweight ..............................................................37 3.6.3. Anaemia .......................................................................................................37 3.6.4. Overweight and obesity ...............................................................................38 3.6.5. Breastfeeding ...............................................................................................38 3.7 Key barriers and bottlenecks ...................................................................................40 3.7.1. Climate and disaster risks ............................................................................40 3.7.2. Changing lifestyles and community behaviour ...........................................40 3.7.3. Health financing and workforce ...................................................................41 Table of Contents 3 4. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene ....................................................................................42 4.1. Access to improved water sources .........................................................................43 4.2. Access to improved sanitation facilities ..................................................................47 4.3. WASH in schools, menstrual hygiene management and disabilities .......................52 4.4. Barriers and bottlenecks ..........................................................................................53 4.4.1. Climate change and disaster risks ................................................................53 4.4.2. Equity ..........................................................................................................53 4.4.3. Data and information ....................................................................................54 5. Education .......................................................................................................................55 5.1. Context ....................................................................................................................57 5.2. Early childhood education .......................................................................................59 5.2.1. Access and quality .......................................................................................59 5.2.2. Barriers and bottlenecks ...............................................................................61 5.3. Primary and secondary education ...........................................................................62 5.3.1. Access .........................................................................................................63 5.3.2. Quality ..........................................................................................................65 5.3.3. Barriers and bottlenecks ...............................................................................66 5.4. Tertiary and vocational education ............................................................................67 6. Child Protection ............................................................................................................69 6.1. Child protection risks and vulnerabilities .................................................................72 6.1.1. Nature and extent of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children .... 72 6.1.2. Community knowledge, attitudes and practices ..........................................75 6.2. The child protection system ...................................................................................76 6.2.1. The legal and policy framework for child protection ....................................77 6.2.2. Child protection structures, services and resourcing ...................................81 6.2.3. Mechanisms for inter-agency coordination, information management and accountability ........................................................................................84 6.3. Other child protection issues ..................................................................................85 6.3.1. Birth registration ..........................................................................................85 6.3.2. Children with disabilities ..............................................................................86 7. Social Protection ...........................................................................................................87 7.1. Profile of child and family poverty and vulnerability ................................................89 7.2. Bottlenecks and barriers to ensuring an effective social protection system ...........91 8. Conclusions ..................................................................................................................93 8.1. Climate change and disaster risks ..........................................................................93 8.2. Financial and human resources ...............................................................................94
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Action Plan for Implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity's Programme of Work on Protected Areas
    Action Plan for Implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Programme of Work on Protected Areas (INSERT PHOTO OF COUNTRY) (TUVALU) Submitted to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity October 6, 2011 Protected area information: PoWPA Focal Point: Mrs. Tilia Asau Assistant Environment officer-Biodiversity Department of Environment Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment & Labour. Government of Tuvalu. Email:[email protected] Lead implementing agency: Department of Environment. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment & Labour. Multi-stakeholder committee: Advisory Committee for Tuvalu NBSAP project Description of protected area system National Targets and Vision for Protected Areas Vission: “Keeping in line with the Aichi targets - By the year 2020, Tuvalu would have a clean and healthy environment, full of biological resources where the present and future generations of Tuvalu will continue to enjoy the equitable sharing benefits of Tuvalu’s abundant biological diversity” Mission: “We shall apply our traditional knowledge, together with innovations and best practices to protect our environment, conserve and sustainably use our biological resources for the sustainable benefit of present and future Tuvaluans” Targets: Below are the broad targets for Tuvalu as complemented in the Tuvalu National Biodiversity Action Plan and NSSD. To prevent air, land , and marine pollution To control and minimise invasive species To rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems To promote and strengthen the conservation and sustainable use of Tuvalu’s biological diversity To recognize, protect and apply traditional knowledge innovations and best practices in relation to the management, protection and utilization of biological resources To protect wildlife To protect seabed and control overharvesting in high seas and territorial waters Coverage According to World data base on Protected Areas, as on 2010, 0.4% of Tuvalu’s terrestrial surface and 0.2% territorial Waters are protected.
    [Show full text]
  • The Emerging New Zealand Jurisprudence on Climate Change, Disasters and Displacement
    MIGRATION STUDIES VOLUME 3 NUMBER 1 2015 131–142 131 The emerging New Zealand jurisprudence on climate change, disasters and displacement Jane McAdamà *Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia. Email: [email protected] Abstract Downloaded from In mid-2014, there was global media coverage of a decision by the New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal, heralded as the first legal recognition of ‘climate change refugees’. Despite the hype, the Tribunal had made no such finding. The case concerned a family of four from the small Pacific island State of Tuvalu, who argued, http://migration.oxfordjournals.org/ among other things, that the effects of climate change—in particular, a lack of fresh drinking water and sea-level rise—would have adverse impacts on them if they were forced to return home. While the Tribunal ultimately permitted them to stay in New Zealand, this was not because of the impacts of climate change in Tuvalu, but rather because of their strong family ties within New Zealand. The decision was based purely on humanitarian and discretionary grounds, not on any domestic or international legal obligation. However, since 2013, New Zealand has started to specifically and systematically delineate the legal protection framework applicable to claims based on the impacts of climate change, natural disasters or environmental degradation. While no one has by guest on March 10, 2015 yet been granted protection on these grounds, New Zealand’s jurisprudence provides the most comprehensive analysis by decision-makers to date about the scope and content of protection for people escaping the impacts of climate change and disasters.
    [Show full text]
  • Legal Preparedness for Regional and International Disaster Assistance in the Pacific Country Profiles
    LEGAL PREPAREDNESS FOR REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE IN THE PACIFIC COUNTRY PROFILES ifrc.org The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through our 192-member National Societies. Together, we act before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. We do so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. Guided by Strategy 2020 and Strategy 2030 – our collective plan of action to tackle the major humanitarian and development challenges of this decade – we are committed to ‘saving lives and changing minds’. Our strength lies in our volunteer network, our community- based expertise and our independence and neutrality. We work to improve humanitarian standards, as partners in development and in response to disasters. We persuade decision-makers to act at all times in the interests of vulnerable people. The result: we enable healthy and safe communities, reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and foster a culture of peace around the world. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent P.O. Box 303 Societies, Asia Pacific Regional Office, Kuala Lumpur, 2020 CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland Telephone: +41 22 730 4222 Any part of this publication may be cited, copied, translated Telefax: +41 22 733 0395 into other languages or adapted to meet local needs without E-mail: [email protected] prior permission from the International Federation of Red Cross Website: www.ifrc.org and Red Crescent Societies, provided that the source is clearly stated.
    [Show full text]
  • South Pacific
    South Pacific Governance in the Pacific: the dismissal of Tuvalu's Governor-General Tauaasa Taafaki BK 338.9 GRACE FILE BARCOOE ECO Research School of Pacific and Asian \\\\~ l\1\1 \ \Ul\\ \ \\IM\\\ \\ CBR000029409 9 Enquiries The Editor, Working Papers Economics Division Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies The Australian National University Canberra 0200 Australia Tel (61-6) 249 4700 Fax (61-6) 257 2886 ' . ' The Economics Division encompasses the Department of Economics, the National Centre for Development Studies and the Au.§.tralia-J.apan Research Centre from the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, the Australian National University. Its Working Paper series is intended for prompt distribution of research results. This distribution is preliminary work; work is later published in refereed professional journals or books. The Working Papers include V'{Ork produced by economists outside the Economics Division but completed in cooperation with researchers from the Division or using the facilities of the Division. Papers are subject to an anonymous review process. All papers are the responsibility of the authors, not the Economics Division. conomics Division Working Papers " South Pacific Governance in the Pacific: the dismissal of Tuvalu's Governor-General Tauaasa Taafaki / o:,;7 CJ<,~ \}f ftl1 L\S\\ltlR~ Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies C;j~••• © Economics Division, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, The Australian National University, 1996. This work is copyright. Apart from those uses which may be permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 as amended, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the publisher.
    [Show full text]
  • Advancing Women's Political Participation in Tuvalu
    REPORT 5 Advancing Women’s Political Participation in Tuvalu A Research Project Commissioned by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) By Susie Saitala Kofe and Fakavae Taomia Acknowledgements This report would not have been possible if it had not been for the tremendous support granted by the President of the Tuvalu National Council of Women Mrs Katalaina Malua, the Director of Women Affairs Mrs Saini Simona and the Executive Director of the Tuvalu Association of Non Governmental Organisations Mrs Annie Homasi. You have not only been there to provide the moral support that I greatly needed during the research process, but you have also assisted me greatly in your areas of expertise. Your wisdom and altruistic attitude gave me tremendous strength to complete this work and I am invaluably indebted to you. I also would like to thank the Honourable Speaker to Parliament Otinielu Tautele I Malae Tausi, Cabinet Ministers Hon Saufatu Sopoaga, Hon Samuelu Teo, Hon Leti Pelesala, Honorable Members of Parliament Hon Kokea Malua, Hon Elisala Pita, Hon Kausea Natano, Hon Tavau Teii and Hon Halo Tuavai for supporting this research by participating in the research process. Many thanks also to senior government officials for taking their valuable time to participate in the research. Not forgetting also the individual representatives from the civil society as well as the island communities for consenting to partici- pate in this research. Your invaluable contributions have made it possible for me to complete this work and I sincerely thank you all for your patience and efforts. Last and not least I thank my family and especially my husband for supporting me all the way.
    [Show full text]
  • The Appointment, Tenure and Removal of Judges Under Commonwealth
    The The Appointment, Tenure and Removal of Judges under Commonwealth Principles Appoin An independent, impartial and competent judiciary is essential to the rule tmen of law. This study considers the legal frameworks used to achieve this and examines trends in the 53 member states of the Commonwealth. It asks: t, Te ! who should appoint judges and by what process? nur The Appointment, Tenure ! what should be the duration of judicial tenure and how should judges’ remuneration be determined? e and and Removal of Judges ! what grounds justify the removal of a judge and who should carry out the necessary investigation and inquiries? Re mo under Commonwealth The study notes the increasing use of independent judicial appointment va commissions; the preference for permanent rather than fixed-term judicial l of Principles appointments; the fuller articulation of procedural safeguards necessary Judge to inquiries into judicial misconduct; and many other developments with implications for strengthening the rule of law. s A Compendium and Analysis under These findings form the basis for recommendations on best practice in giving effect to the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles (2003), the leading of Best Practice Commonwealth statement on the responsibilities and interactions of the three Co mmon main branches of government. we This research was commissioned by the Commonwealth Secretariat, and undertaken and alth produced independently by the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law. The Centre is part of the British Institute of International and
    [Show full text]
  • The Place of Alcohol in the Lives of People from Tokelau, Fiji, Niue
    The place of alcohol in the lives of people from Tokelau, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa living in New Zealand: an overview The place of alcohol in the lives of people from Tokelau, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa living in New Zealand: an overview A report prepared by Sector Analysis, Ministry of Health for the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand ALAC Research Monograph Series: No 2 Wellington 1997 ISSN 1174-1856 ISBN 0-477-06317-9 Acknowledgments This particular chapter which is an overview of the reports from each of the six Pacific communities would not have been possible without all the field teams and participants who took part in the project. I would like to thank Ezra Jennings-Pedro, Terrisa Taupe, Tufaina Taupe Sofaia Kamakorewa, Maikali (Mike) Kilioni, Fane Malani, Tina McNicholas, Mere Samusamuvodre, Litimai Rasiga, Tevita Rasiga, Apisa Tuiqere, Ruve Tuivoavoa, Doreen Arapai, Dahlia Naepi, Slaven Naepi, Vili Nosa, Yvette Guttenbeil, Sione Liava’a, Wailangilala Tufui , Susana Tu’inukuafe, Anne Allan-Moetaua, Helen Kapi, Terongo Tekii, Tunumafono Ken Ah Kuoi, Tali Beaton, Myra McFarland, Carmel Peteru, Damas Potoi and their communities who supported them. Many people who have not been named offered comment and shared stories with us through informal discussion. Our families and friends were drawn in and though they did not formally participate they too gave their opinions and helped to shape the information gathered. Special thanks to all the participants and Jean Mitaera, Granby Siakimotu, Kili Jefferson, Dr Ian Prior, Henry Tuia, Lita Foliaki and Tupuola Malifa who reviewed the reports and asked pertinent questions.
    [Show full text]
  • Sector Assessment (Summary): Transport (Water Transport [Nonurban])
    Outer Island Maritime Infrastructure Project (RRP TUV 48484) SECTOR ASSESSMENT (SUMMARY): TRANSPORT (WATER TRANSPORT [NONURBAN]) Sector Road Map 1. Sector Performance, Problems, and Opportunities 1. Tuvalu is an independent constitutional monarchy in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, they separated from the Gilbert Islands after a referendum in 1975, and achieved independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1978. The population of 10,100 live on Tuvalu’s nine atolls, which have a total land area of 27 square kilometers. 1 The nine islands, from north to south, are Nanumea, Niutao, Nanumaga, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, Nukulaelae, and Niulakita. 2. About 43% of the population lives on the outer islands. The small land mass, combined with infertile soil, create a heavy reliance on the sea. The primary economic activities are fishing and subsistence farming, with copra being the main export. 3. The effectiveness and efficiency of maritime transport is highly correlated and integral to the economic development of Tuvalu. Government-owned ships are the only means of transport among the islands. The government fleet includes three passenger and cargo ships operated by the Ministry of Communication and Transport (MCT), a research boat under the Fishery Department, and a patrol boat. 2 The passenger and cargo ships travel from Funafuti to the outer islands and Fiji, so each island only has access to these ships once every 2–3 weeks. Table 1 shows the passengers and cargo carried by the ships in recent years. In addition to the regular services, these ships are used for medical evacuations.
    [Show full text]
  • Niue Treaty on Cooperation in Fisheries Surveillance and Law Enforcement in the South Pacific Region
    NIUE TREATY ON COOPERATION IN FISHERIES SURVEILLANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION THE PARTIES TO THIS TREATY: GIVEN that in accordance with international law as expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, coastal States have sovereign rights for the purposes of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the fisheries resources of their exclusive economic zones and fisheries zones; TAKING INTO ACCOUNT Article 73 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; NOTING that the Parties to the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency Convention, 1979 have agreed under Article 5 of that Convention that the Forum Fisheries Committee shall promote intra- regional coordination and cooperation in fisheries surveillance and law enforcement; CONSIDERING the vast areas of ocean covered by the exclusive economic zones and fisheries zones of coastal States in the South Pacific region and the vital economic significance of such zones to the economic development of South Pacific coastal States; WISHING THEREFORE to enhance their ability to enforce effectively their fisheries laws, and deter breaches of such laws; HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS: ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS In this Treaty: (a) 'fishing' means: (i) searching for, catching, taking or harvesting fish; (ii) attempting to search for, catch, take or harvest fish; (iii) engaging in any other activity which can reasonably be expected to result in the locating, catching, taking or harvesting of fish; (iv) placing, searching for or recovering fish aggregating devices or associated electronic equipment such as radio beacons; (v) any operations at sea directly in support of, or in preparation for any activity described in this paragraph; (vi) use of any craft, air or sea borne, for any activity described in this paragraph except for emergencies involving the health and safety of the crew or the safety of a vessel; (vii) the processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken.
    [Show full text]
  • Questionnaire: Tuvalu 1. Description 1.1 Name(S) of Society, Language, and Language Family: Tuvalu, Tuvaluan, Tuvalu Is in the Austronesian Language Family (1)
    Questionnaire: Tuvalu 1. Description 1.1 Name(s) of society, language, and language family: Tuvalu, Tuvaluan, Tuvalu is in the Austronesian language family (1) 1.2 ISO code (3 letter code from ethnologue.com): TVL (1) 1.3 Location (latitude/longitude): The latitude and longitude for Tuvalu are 8 00’S 178 00’E (2) 1.4 Brief history: “The first settlers were from Samoa and probably arrived in the 14th century ad. Niulakita, the smallest and southernmost island, was uninhabited before European contact; the other islands were settled by the 18th century, giving rise to the name Tuvalu, or “Cluster of Eight.” Europeans first discovered the islands in the 16th century through the voyages of Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira, but it was only from the 1820s, with visits by whalers and traders, that they were reliably placed on European charts. In 1863 labor recruiters from Peru kidnapped some 400 people, mostly from Nukulaelae and Funafuti, reducing the population of the group to less than 2,500. Concern over labor recruiting and a desire for protection helps to explain the enthusiastic response to Samoan pastors of the London Missionary Society who arrived in the 1860s. By 1900, Protestant Christianity was firmly established. With imperial expansion the group, then known as the Ellice Islands, became British protectorate in 1892 and part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony in 1916. There was a gradual expansion of government services, but most administration was through island governments supervised by a single district officer based in Funafuti. Ellice Islanders sought education and employment at the colonial capital in the Gilbert group or in the phosphate industry at Banaba or Nauru.
    [Show full text]
  • 2011 Tuvalu and Tokelau Drought
    2011 Tokelau and Tuvalu Drought Response LTCOL Terry McDonald Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers New Zealand Defence Force Presentation Scope • Background and challenges • Deployment overview - OP Pacific Drought 2011 • Key focus areas: • “Humanitarian Assistance as a system of systems” • “Unpacking the problem” • “Information in a vacuum” • Conclusion Background and Challenges • Slow developing situation • Increasing development increases water use • Impact of La Nina on preceding six months rainfall • Reliance on rainwater capture and RO • Geographic Isolation – airfields / ports • Mission duration and footprint • NZDF MFRO capability Deployment overview – OP Pacific Drought 2011 Key Events Timeline: 28 Sep 11 – Tuvalu declares a state of emergency Sep 11 – Tokelau declares a state of emergency 30 Sep 11 – NZDF activates condition white OP Pacific Drought 04 Oct 11 – NZDF activates condition red OP Pacific Drought 05 Oct 11 – NZDF team TOKELAU deploys to AMERICAN SAMOA 06 Oct 11 – NZDF team TOKELAU links up with USCG WALNUT 07 Oct 11 – NZDF team TUVALU deploys to SAMOA 07 Oct 11 – Relief team TOKELAU arrives TOKELAU 08 Oct 11 – Relief team TUVALU arrives TUVALU 10 Oct 11 – Relief team TOKELAU RTNZ via AMERICAN SAMOA 09 Nov 11 – Relief team TUVLAU RTNZ via SAMOA Key Outcomes: TOKELAU – 123,000L of water produced and delivered to three atolls Distribution amount based on population TUVALU - 798,480L of water produced by NZDF MFRO Distribution primarily on Funafuti with Red Cross RO supporting NUKULAELAE References: http://www.tokelau.org.nz/site/tokelau/files/final%20final%20final%20tevakai%20NC.pdf
    [Show full text]
  • Pacific Study (Focusing on Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu
    1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Hazard exposure 1.1. Pacific island countries (PICs) are vulnerable to a broad range of natural disasters stemming from hydro-meteorological (such as cyclones, droughts, landslide and floods) and geo-physical hazards (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis). In any given year, it is likely that Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu are either hit by, or recovering from, a major natural disaster. 1.2. The impact of natural disasters is estimated by the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative as equivalent to an annualized loss of 6.6% of GDP in Vanuatu, and 4.3% in Tonga. For Fiji, the average asset losses due to tropical cyclones and floods are estimated at more than 5%. 1.3. In 2014, Tropical Cyclone (TC) Ian caused damage equivalent to 11% to Tonga's GDP. It was followed in 2018 by damage close to 38% of GDP from TC Gita. In 2015, category five TC Pam displaced 25% of Vanuatu's population and provoked damage estimated at 64% of GDP. In Fiji, Tropical Cyclone Winston affected 62% of the population and wrought damage amounting to 31% of GDP, only some three and a half years after the passage of Tropical Cyclone Evan. 1.4. Vanuatu and Tonga rank number one and two in global indices of natural disaster risk. Seismic hazard is an ever-present danger for both, together with secondary risks arising from tsunamis and landslides. Some 240 earthquakes, ranging in magnitude between 3.3 and 7.1 on the Richter Scale, struck Vanuatu and its surrounding region in the first ten months of 2018.
    [Show full text]