Pacific weather authorities say they are increasingly turning to social media as a lifesaving communications tool for disseminating disaster information – but disasters also present the perfect opportunity for deadly disinformation to spread.

We take a look at the Pacific Resilience Meeting and its agenda focused on the theme “Our people, our journey: nurturing Pacific resilience from home - locally-led action and solutions to climate change and disasters from our region”. 

We review the items you need to build the ultimate disaster Go Bag. Grab a pencil and check off the list of everyday items that can help you survive a disaster and re-build afterwards. 

Shelterbox is a charity that builds the ultimate disaster survival and recovery kit. So, what can we learn from their experience? What have they discovered about disaster survival that we can apply the next time one strikes? 

Disaster response gets complicated when National Disaster Management Officers, Police, Firefighters and other Emergency Services are all expected to spring into action.  

When preparing for disaster, we often turn to our elders for guidance. 

No two disasters are alike and each season unfolds differently but memories of past events provide valuable information to younger Pacific islanders. 

People with a disability are among those most in danger from natural disasters but too often, they are forgotten when it comes to planning.

Typhoon Surigae caught some by surprise with its trajectory and intensity. 

But more extreme events are likely in 2021 so to ensure everyone is informed and ready – the first ever Western North Pacific Regional Climate Conference has been convened. 

Farms and communities are being re-established and the old Ambae is returning - but the possibility of another volcanic eruption remains real and hard lessons have been learned.  Disaster preparedness is now at the heart of all Vanuatu’s planning. 

From forcing the evacuation of Ambae to driving tourism on Tanna, Vanuatu’s volcanoes are both a blessing and a curse. 

But what is their current status and how do we know when the threat of eruption has increased?