When cyclone season blows into Vanuatu each year, the residents of north Pentecost Island draw on generations of local knowledge to scan nature for signs of any impending storms. They’ll look for changes in the sky, wildlife and plants to indicate the approach of a cyclone. This knowledge is also used to predict the onset of abnormally dry periods.
If a seabird, locally known as Mansiroboe, flies over land it indicates a cyclone is near the island. These ocean birds only come on land during cyclone events looking for places to hide from the wind. Subtle changes in plant life are also scrutinised for changes. Abundant or early blossoms or fruit on trees are two indicators cyclones will occur in the upcoming season. In the days before a storm, fast moving low clouds, calm seas and surface winds are all signs a storm is usually imminent.
“When I saw the signs, I told my family and the people [across the] communities. We collected firewood and clean water and prepared our houses by putting coconut leaves, bamboo and banana stems on roofs,” a man told researchers following the devastating Cyclone Pam in 2015.
