Attachments
Situation in Numbers
40,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance (UNICEF estimation)
80,000* people affected. (*Latest GoV estimates)
1. Highlights:
- A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near Vanuatu's coast in the South Pacific Ocean at 12:51 PM local time on December 17, 2024, followed by several major aftershocks of varying but strong intensities. The most affected is the densely populated capital city of Port Vila, Efate.
- About 80,000 people are estimated to be affected with the government confirming 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 the Government of Vanuatu’s (GoV) National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) two major water reservoirs in Port Vila are severely damaged and further assessment of water network is on-going.
- Many buildings have either collapsed or suffered significant damages with several landslides seen around the island. Key roads and bridges connecting the airport and the main seaport are reported to be severely damaged. While the seaport is closed, the airport is operational for incoming humanitarian assistance. Telecommunication networks in most areas are either down or intermittent at best. Only those with Star Link are able to push out vital information out of the country.
- The immediate needs are for life-saving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) supplies, first aid and health needs and psychological support for affected children and their families.
- UNICEF has already dispatched first aid kits and Interagency Emergency Health Kits (IEHK) to the Vila Central Hospital (VCH) and Vila Mobile Force (VMF) which includes 4 tents, and120 community first aid kits.
- UNICEF has other critical WASH, Child Protection, Health ECD, Nutrition, Education kits and supplies prepositioned in Vanuatu and ready for immediate distribution to reach at least 3,000 people.
- UNICEF Vanuatu field office has a team of 19 staff and consultants and are working with local authorities and partners to assess the extent of the damage and determine response needs.
2. Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs
Following a magnitude 7.3 earthquake near Vanuatu's Capital Port Vila around 12:51 PM on 17 December 2024, thousands of vulnerable children and their families need urgent support especially for life-saving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) supplies, first aid, health, and psychological support.
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. GoV estimates over 80,000 people to have been affected by the earthquake. 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.
Many buildings have either collapsed or suffered significant damages. Most buildings including those housing diplomatic missions reported major structural damages. Telecommunication networks in most areas are either down or intermittent at best. Only those with Star Link are able to push out vital information out of the country.
Vila Central Hospital emergency services are being conducted outside the hospital due to concerns for the structural integrity of the hospital. The hospital’s operating theatre is not functional, and tents have been set up in front of the hospital to treat the injured as they arrive.
Landslides and damaged road and bridges has blocked access to the airport and the main seaport. While the seaport is closed, the airport is operational for incoming humanitarian assistance.