Hilda’s journey: Cyclone survivor and Red Cross volunteer rebuilding her community in Vanuatu

In March 2023, Cyclones Kevin and Judy swept through Vanuatu, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Months later, Cyclone Harold hit, another Category 4 cyclone that again caused devastation among people who were trying to get back on their feet.

Among those affected was 24-year-old Hilda, a dedicated volunteer with Vanuatu Red Cross.

“In the evening the wind and the rain were very strong,” she recalls. “We woke up during the night, the power was off. So, we used candles until the cyclone passed in the morning.” The next day, the full scale of the disaster was unveiled, with trees fallen onto the house, and water seeping inside.

Despite her own home being damaged, Hilda didn’t hesitate to step up and help her community in their time of need. She distributed everyday essentials– such as plates, spoons, and cups - everything her community needed to start cooking and feeding their families again.

Regular giving plays a vital role in helping Australian Red Cross teams to respond quickly to emergencies in disaster prone areas like Vanuatu, ensuring funds are available for teams on the ground to distribute essential supplies to people when they need them most.

The immediate aftermath of the cyclones left many others like Hilda without clean water and electricity, making daily life even more challenging. “Clean water is vital because, in some areas, the water supply was damaged. We also provided solar lights to help people manage, especially in Port Vila where the need was greatest,” says Hilda.

How your generosity helps Australian Red Cross support people before, during, and after disaster strikes 

Hilda’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of Pacific communities. But behind every story of recovery is the dedicated support from generous donors like you. With your ongoing support, Red Cross can act quickly when disaster strikes and remain committed over the long term before, during, and after disasters, helping communities rebuild and recover. 

In the wake of Cyclones Kevin and Judy, support from generous people like you helped Australian Red Cross to send emergency specialists to Vanuatu to coordinate the response. These included finance, logistics, and shelter cluster experts, who worked alongside local teams to ensure that aid reached those who needed it most, no matter what. 

Australian Red Cross teams were also able to provide essential supplies such as shelter toolkits and tarpaulins, helping families rebuild their homes and regain a sense of stability. This ongoing support demonstrates a shared commitment to assisting communities in need, wherever and whenever disasters strike. 

The work of volunteers like Hilda, supported by Australian Red Cross, shows the incredible impact that your kindness can have. Your generosity enables Red Cross to respond swiftly to emergencies and remain by the side of communities as they recover and build resilience for the future. Thank you for making this vital work possible.