Nelson and Heidi’s Panita Community (Tongoa Island, Vanuatu) Post Cyclone PAM Appeal

$4,786 donated

Given by 53 generous donors in around 6 months

Help the Rarua Family and their Panita Community rebuild their family homes, church, and re-establishments of their food gardens.

Taranaki

+26 images

On Friday the 13th March, Vanuatu was struck directly by Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam, one of the most powerful cyclones to ever hit the Pacific. Devastating winds gusting up to 340km/h lashed islands the length of Vanuatu. The scale of the devastation is colossal.

From media information, it appears the Tongoa is one of the worst affected islands within the Vanuatu group, with 90% of homes and gardens destroyed. Emergency aid has been non- existent to date.

The road to recovery will be a long one for these communities and we will keep you updated on the progress of this appeal and of news and images of the village as they come in.

In the meantime you can view the pictures of the village and of the Island Heidi took on their very recent trip (Christmas 2014).

Graham & Janet Parker's involvement (page creator)

Our Daughter Heidi is married to Nelson Rarua from Vanuatu. Their community of Panita Village on Tongoa Island in the Shepherds Group has been severely affected by the cyclone. We set up this page to ensure Heidi and Nelson’s family and community do get the help they so desperately need.

Native Timber 12 October 2015

Actually these are good solid timber trees, felled by TC Pam, but with your help, it has not been wasted. They are being used to build the new homes for the 45 households that were lost to TC Pam. See more photos in the gallery!

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