17 February 2025, Port Vila Vanuatu – As one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, Vanuatu faces escalating risks from cyclones, sea-level rise, and seismic activity.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) Weather App, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to strengthen climate resilience and disaster preparedness nationwide, will go a long way towards saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods.
The VMGD Weather App was launched by Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change and Adaptation (MoCCA), Honorable Ralph Regenvanu, on Friday 14 February 2025 in the VMGD Conference Room.
“The VMGD Weather App is a transformative tool for all Ni-Vanuatu,” said Hon. Regenvanu. “By placing vital weather and hazard information directly into the hands of farmers, fishers, businesses, and families, we enable proactive decision-making that saves lives and safeguards livelihoods. This innovation is central to our national strategy for climate adaptation.”
The launch was attended by Mr Abraham Nasak, Acting Director General of MoCCA, Mr Levu Antfalo, Director of VMGD, and key stakeholders in climate action, disaster risk management and the media.
Mr. Antfalo highlighted the department’s focus on inclusive communication.
“VMGD is committed to bridging information gaps across Vanuatu’s urban and rural communities,” he said.“This app ensures equitable access to timely, science-based data, enhancing our collective capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters. Digital tools like this are pivotal to building a resilient nation.”
Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented under the Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong redy, adapt mo protekt (VanKIRAP) project, the app represents a collaborative effort between VMGD and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). This initiative underscores Vanuatu’s commitment to leveraging technology for climate adaptation and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Mr. Sunny Kamuta Seuseu, of SPREP and VanKIRAP Project Manager, underscored regional collaboration.
“SPREP is proud to partner with VMGD in delivering this critical initiative under the VanKIRAP project,” said Mr. Seuseu. “By integrating advanced technology with localised knowledge, we are setting a benchmark for climate resilience in the Pacific. This app exemplifies how regional cooperation and GCF support can empower communities to adapt to a changing climate.”
The VMGD Weather App aligns with Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan and the GCF’s mandate to support vulnerable states in building adaptive capacity. Its development reflects SPREP’s regional leadership in climate information services and VMGD’s operational excellence.
Key Features of the VMGD Weather App includes real-time, localised information to empower individuals, businesses, and policymakers with actionable data.
It offers accurate weather forecasts, regionalised updates for all six provinces of Vanuatu, geo-hazard alertsand immediate notifications on volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides.
On Marine and Climate Insights, the app provides cyclone warnings, seasonal climate bulletins, El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) updates, and marine condition reports.
It also offers critical alerts accessible without internet connectivity, ensuring rural and remote communities remain informed.
All citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to download the VMGD Weather App, available on:
- Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/vmgd/id6738470077
- Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cubit.weather.prod
The Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (Van-KIRAP) project is a five-year, USD 22 million project which aims to support climate resilient development in Vanuatu through the development, communication, and application of climate information services to benefit agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, water sectors and communities. It is funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme in partnership with the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and APEC Climate Center.
For more information, please contact Mr Sunny Kamuta Seuseu, at [email protected].