Vanuatu's Red Cross is deploying relief supplies to communities across the country to prepare for this summer's cyclone season.
Some of the classrooms destroyed by Pam on Emae Island. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins
Most of the country is still recovering from the category five Cyclone Pam, with water and crop problems being exacerbated by the current drought.
The chief executive of the Vanuatu Red Cross, Jacqueline De Gaillande, says the supplies will enable vulnerable people to support themselves should another disaster strike.
The relief items include water containers, cooking equipment, tools to build emergency shelters, tarpaulins and locally-woven pandanus mats.
Forecasters are predicting that this year's severe El Niño is expected to trigger as many as 13 cyclones for the region.
