In response to mounting crises posed by the pandemic of COVID-19 and tropical cyclone Harold, many local communities and Aid agencies in Vanuatu have taken up the role as stakeholders in helping the Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) on the regional, provincial, and community level to coordinate responses to emergencies and disasters across the country.

As the result of the deadly monster storm that barrelled through the northern part of Vanuatu in the early hours of the 6th of April, and leaving behind widespread damage to some parts of the Islands, officials had no choice but to put on hold the coronavirus social measures for evacuees. Taking an internal approach, the NDMO decided to close the country’s borders not allowing any foreign aid workers to enter Vanuatu in order to prevent the virus. This has made the lives for those on the frontline and for a handful of qualified relief workers very difficult.

A group of young locally trained humanitarians who are working with several Aid agencies on the ground, have stepped up to the plate to help out as well. Friends of the Nation Youth have been on the ground in Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, since the cyclone struck. Some of the members of the group who called Santo their home, have also lost everything and have expressed concern about rebuilding amidst the fear of the coronavirus. Despite their fears and concerns, they have gone ahead and organized working parties to distribute seeds for backyard gardening, help to rebuild houses around their communities, and gave moral support as well. Local participants, including young residents, can offer valuable understandings of the dynamics of local places in times of crisis. Valuing the roles of young people and their voices in times of crisis is vital.