Attachments
Executive Summary
On December 17, 2024, a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu, with its epicentre located 34 km west of Efate and 150 km west of Erromango. The earthquake caused significant destruction, claiming 14 lives as of the 22nd of December, injuring over 210 people, and displacing thousands. Port Vila, Efate, and nearby areas suffered severe structural damage, including collapsed bridges, public buildings, and critical infrastructure such as the Tagabe, Teouma, and Blacksand bridges. Two major water reserves in the Ohlen area were destroyed, cutting off vital water supplies to Port Vila. The disaster also disrupted power, telecommunications, and access to essential services, leaving communities vulnerable and in urgent need of support. A seven-day state of emergency was declared to mobilize resources and initiate coordinated response efforts.
The Recovery and Resilience Plan outlines a comprehensive framework to address the immediate, medium-term, and long-term needs of affected populations. It builds on the rapid response and assessments conducted by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the newly established Recovery Operations Centre (ROC). These efforts have highlighted critical priorities across several sectors:
Infrastructure: The earthquake caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and public buildings. Immediate repairs are required to restore connectivity and ensure access to essential services, particularly for emergency response operations. Long-term recovery will involve rebuilding resilient infrastructure that adheres to disaster-resistant design standards.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Widespread damage to water systems and contamination of water supplies pose significant health risks. Emergency water trucking and repairs to damaged reservoirs and pipelines are underway, with additional investments needed to restore and secure water supplies for communities.
Health: The health sector has faced immense strain, with hospitals managing injuries and preparing for potential disease outbreaks due to compromised water and sanitation systems. Medical supplies, emergency medical teams, and temporary health facilities are critical to sustaining healthcare delivery during the recovery phase.
Housing: Thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged, leaving many families displaced and in need of shelter. Recovery efforts will focus on providing temporary shelter, supporting reconstruction with resilient building practices, and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to adequate housing.
Education: Schools in affected areas sustained significant damage, disrupting learning for many children. Immediate priorities include the repair of facilities, replacement of learning materials, and the integration of Build Back Better principles to ensure safer learning environments.
Telecommunications: The earthquake disrupted communication networks, including damage to government broadband infrastructure. Restoring these systems is essential for coordination among government agencies and emergency response teams, as well as for reconnecting affected communities.
The Recovery and Resilience Plan provides a roadmap to mobilize resources, coordinate efforts across sectors, and engage development partners in supporting the nation’s recovery. It identifies key recovery projects and highlights the importance of building resilience against future hazards. This plan will serve as a guiding document for ministries, stakeholders, and international partners to align recovery initiatives with the principles of sustainability and disaster preparedness.
While the estimated recovery cost is substantial, the government remains committed to ensuring a timely and inclusive recovery. By prioritizing the needs of affected communities and strengthening resilience, this Recovery and Resilience Plan aims to rebuild a stronger, safer, and more sustainable Vanuatu for the future. The collective efforts of the government, development partners, and communities will be critical in achieving this vision.