Vanuatu: Earthquake - Dec 2024

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck 30 km west of Port Vila, Vanuatu, on 17 December 2024, at 12:47 PM local time. A tsunami warning was issued but has since been lifted. Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the time of reporting. Preliminary reports indicate observed damages to buildings and infrastructure in Port Vila, with six unconfirmed casualties and injuries reported. According to UNOSAT initial exposure analysis, an estimate of 116,000 people could be affected by the worst impacts of the earthquake. Telecommunications remain disrupted and is affecting the timeliness of field reports from remote areas. Access to the airport and water port is severely limited due to road damage. Key immediate needs include healthcare support, shelter, access to clean water, and the restoration of emergency communications.(OCHA, 17 Dec 2024)

As of 18th December, NDMO confirmed 14 fatalities either from collapsed buildings or landslides. The numbers may rise as search and rescue operations intensifies and expands. Over 200 are reported injured while many are still missing. According to UNICEF staff on the ground, most injuries are fractures, cuts and traumas related to falling objects and sharp items. According to NDMO, two major water reservoirs in Port Vila are severely damaged. Assessment of water network is ongoing with affected residents already rationing water. (UNICEF, 18 Dec 2024)

Approximately 80,000 people have been directly affected by the earthquake, of which 14,104 are children and 769 are persons with disabilities (PWD). The Disaster Evacuation Centre Management Cluster (DEMC) reports that 947 people have been displaced. Infrastructure damage is extensive, with landslides further obstructing road access in Efate and outer islands, including routes to the Seaport. The airport is currently closed to all commercial flights. Physical Access challenges continue to hamper response efforts. (OCHA, 19 Dec 2024)

The situation in Vanuatu remains critical following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck on December 17, 2024. VMGD has confirmed that approximately 300 aftershocks, ranging from magnitudes of 2.0 to 5.3, have occurred with shallow depths between December 17 and December 19. The earthquake has resulted in significant devastation, with the death toll rising to 14 (eight males, five females, one unknown) and 265 injuries. (OCHA, 26 Dec 2024)

Two major water reservoirs in Port Vila sustained severe damage, and ongoing assessments of the water network have led to water rationing for residents. Port Vila International Airport resumed commercial flights on 22 December, following consultations with airport agencies. However, landslides and damaged roads and bridges have hindered access to the airport and seaport. While the airport is operational, the seaport is still closed. The situation is compounded by the ongoing cyclone season, with three tropical cyclones predicted in the region posing more risks to already vulnerable populations. (UNICEF, 23 Dec 2024)

State of Emergency (SOE) concluded on December 24, 2024 with the coordination of operations transitioning to the Recovery Operations Centre (ROC) under the Prime Minister's Office. The NDMO, National Cluster Partners and Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) members are coordinating ongoing distribution of relief items to meet needs identified under the SOE including shelter, WASH, Protection, Health, Food and other essential supplies. Power, Water and phone service has been largely restored though internet services are still under repair. (Gov't Vanuatu, 3 Jan 2025)

The situation in Vanuatu remains critical following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck on December 17, 2024. Ongoing aftershocks pose a high risk of landslides and building collapses. The earthquake has resulted in at least 14 fatalities and more than 265 injuries. 1,092 people remain temporarily displaced, 570 houses have been damaged affecting 2,850 people. Infrastructure damage is extensive, with landslides obstructing road access to Efate and the outer islands, including the main seaport. In the education sector, 110 classrooms across 45 schools have been partially or completely damaged. (OCHA, 7 Jan 2025)

Now that the State of Emergency has ended, the government has established a Recovery Operation Centre (ROC). In early January, the Director of the Department of Strategic Policy, Planning, and Aid Coordination (DSPPAC) and the Chairman of the ROC estimated that around CHF 217 million (VUV 29 billion) was needed to fund the recovery. (IFRC, 13 Jan 2025)