Cyclone-affected communities in Vanuatu are being taught to cyclone proof their homes as the rebuild continues almost seven months after Cyclone Pam hit.
Care International has been distributing rebuild kits to villagers on Tanna - one of the worst hit islands in Tafea province.
Along with the tools which include hammers saws and for the rebuild, a Spanish architect Guiomar Grande is in Tanna for Care International teaching people to build back stronger.
Rebuild kits being distributed on Tanna in Vanuatu by Care International. Photo: RNZI Courtesy of Care International
She says she was impressed with the traditional triangular shaped huts, called nimaleten, on Tanna with their roofs sloping into the ground.
"The idea is to reinforce the local traditional way of building here that is the nimaleten. This local way of many years and years of building is a perfect shelter for these hazards that happen in this country."
Guiomar Grande says the main emphasis of her training is on foundation strengthening and incorporating the use of cyclone straps and tie-downs into the construction.
The Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu in March causing damage estimated at US$449 million, almost two-thirds of the country's GDP.