Region: All countries highly likely to require external assistance in response to disasters in 2025-2026 tropical cyclone season

Around 5 November, the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme (PHWP) briefed ministers at the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting in Palau. PHWP reported that of the 15 participating countries, seven have secured land for warehouses, construction has started in Palau, and Kiribati has completed its facility. The programme aims to improve disaster response within the first 48–72 hours, including early warning systems, climate adaptation, and risk management. Funding includes $AUD21 million for country activities including maintenance and training, and $AUD45 million for infrastructure. The warehouses will store non-food emergency supplies procured in partnership with donors including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Separately, Samoa’s Health Minister has attributed medicine shortages in the country to global shipping delays and higher costs affecting all small island states. 

Assessment: Despite positive momentum in the warehousing programme, only one facility has been completed. Combined with the medical supply shortage noted in Samoa, responses to the 2025-2026 tropical cyclone season will require external assistance for all countries.

Sources: Ezra Toara, “Vanuatu to benefit from regional humanitarian warehouse plan,” Daily Post, November 6, 2025; Charley Piringi, “Solomon Islands to Build Humanitarian Warehouse in Malaita,” In-depth Solomons, November 5, 2025; Charley Piringi, “Ground Breaking of Palau National Humanitarian Warehouse to Boost Pacific Disaster Preparedness,” In-depth Solomons, November 5, 2025; “Pacific news in brief for 17 November,” RNZ, November 17, 2025, https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/579113/pacific-news-in-brief-for-17-november.