MOBILE PHONE | VANUATU

ELLEN TAMATA

Preparation can be the difference between life and death when a cyclone strikes. For those with disabilities, cyclone season demands a perpetual state of vigilance.

Cyclone season is never far away in the Pacific and that’s perhaps more true in Vanuatu than anywhere else in the region. In 2023 alone, the island nation has been hit by three major cyclones, each a testament to the intensifying impact of climate change.

The climate crisis means the cyclone season now stretches longer than in previous generations. The threat of fossil-fuelled destruction now looms almost half of the year, demanding unwavering vigilance and constant readiness.

Ellen’s resilience amid adversity shines as she prepares meticulously for the looming cyclone threats.

Ellen’s phone serves as more than a lifeline; it’s her connection to the world beyond. In the face of disaster, it becomes her beacon of hope, enabling coordination, information gathering, and seeking assistance.

Ellen embodies both resilience and the hurdles faced by many in the Pacific. Her story echoes the challenges of preparation and unwavering determination needed to confront climatic chaos.

Object of Memory

In Ellen’s world, her phone isn’t just a device; it’s a lifeline tethering her to safety in the tempestuous cyclone seasons of Vanuatu. It’s her direct link to the outside world, a digital guardian that helps her navigate through the perilous times.

During cyclone threats, her phone transforms into a command center, aiding her in coordinating emergency measures, staying updated on weather forecasts and seeking assistance when needed. It’s a conduit for critical information, a lifeline that bridges the gap between vulnerability and resilience.

Through her smartphone, Ellen accesses support networks, communicates urgent needs and stays connected to emergency services. It’s not merely a piece of technology, but a source of empowerment, providing her a sense of control amid the chaotic unpredictability of extreme weather events.

For Ellen, her phone signifies more than communication; it symbolises survival, independence and a lifeline to safety amidst the storms that test her resilience and determination.