The first ever National Emergency Operation Centre has been opened in Vanuatu.
The new centre cost more than 170,000 US dollars to establish and was jointly funded by the Japanese government, the World Bank, SOPAC and other institutions.
A Disaster Risk Management Specialist with the World Bank, Michael Bonte-Grapentin, says the operation centre will act as an information and coordination centre for government and non-government organisations during an emergency.
"Just making their efforts more effective and being able to efficiently, effectively communicate with getting the latest information. Making informed decisions about what to do in the case of an emergency. Where to send resources to and what information to provide to the general public."
Michael Bonte-Grapentin says the centre is equipped with a meeting space, ten dual display computers, four LCD flat screen televisions, eight landline phones, an HF radio and other electronic communication equipment.
