Safety

Safety in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is remarkably safe from a crime perspective - one of the safest places you can live. However, natural disaster risk is among the highest in the world.

Crime Safety

The good news: Crime in Vanuatu is very low.

Context:

• Safer than most Australian/NZ cities
• Safer than virtually all US cities
• Comparable to small-town safety in developed countries

Common sense still applies:

• Don't leave valuables visible in cars
• Lock doors at night
• Crime increases around holidays (July 30 Independence Day, Christmas)
• Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas

Natural Disaster Risk

This is the serious safety concern. The World Risk Report has ranked Vanuatu as the most disaster-exposed country on Earth.

Cyclones (November - April):

• Vanuatu sits in the Pacific cyclone belt
• Major cyclones hit regularly
• Cyclone Pam (2015): Category 5, 250 km/h winds
• Cyclone Harold (2020): Affected 42% of population
• Cyclones Judy and Kevin (2023): Widespread damage

What this means:

• Have a cyclone preparedness kit
• Know your evacuation routes
• Secure your home (shutters, reinforcement)
• Have emergency supplies (water, food, radio)
• Be prepared to shelter for days

Earthquakes:

• Vanuatu sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire
• Frequent earthquakes of varying magnitude
• December 2024: 7.3 magnitude earthquake damaged Port Vila extensively
• Building codes improving but older structures vulnerable

Volcanoes:

• Several active volcanoes
• Mount Yasur (Tanna): Active and accessible tourist attraction
• Ambae: Erupted 2017-2018, required evacuations
• Volcanic activity monitoring in place

Tsunamis:

• Risk following major earthquakes
• Coastal areas most vulnerable
• Warning systems in place

Disaster Preparedness

Essential preparations:

1. Emergency kit:

• 3+ days water supply
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight, batteries
• First aid kit
• Battery/crank radio
• Important documents in waterproof bag

1. Home preparation:

• Cyclone shutters
• Know how to shut off utilities
• Secure outdoor items
• Identify strongest room in house

1. Communication plan:

• Emergency contacts
• Meeting point if separated
• Know local emergency frequencies

1. Insurance:

• Ensure natural disaster coverage
• Many standard policies exclude cyclone damage
• Consider specific cyclone/earthquake coverage

Emergency Contacts

Government Resources

• Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD): Weather and hazard warnings
• National Disaster Management Office (NDMO): Disaster response coordination
• Color-coded alert systems for cyclones

Health Safety

• Malaria: Present in Vanuatu; take prophylaxis on outer islands
• Dengue fever: Occurs; use mosquito protection
• Water: Drink bottled or filtered water
• Jellyfish/marine life: Some dangerous species; ask locals about safe swimming areas

The Reality

Most days: Vanuatu is incredibly safe and peaceful. Crime is minimal, people are friendly, and daily life feels secure.

During natural disasters: Can be genuinely dangerous. Cyclones kill people, earthquakes destroy buildings, evacuations happen.

The trade-off: Low crime, high nature risk. Many expats find this acceptable - you can prepare for natural disasters in ways you can't prepare for crime.