DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT
On 17 December 2024, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck 30 kilometres west of Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital city, at a depth of 57 kilometres, causing widespread damage. The earthquake triggered landslides, damaged buildings and caused severe damage to infrastructure, impacting essential services. Since then, there have been multiple aftershocks, including around a dozen with magnitudes over 5.0, and one with a magnitude of 6.1, significantly increasing the risk of further damage. According to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), approximately 80,000 people, or approximately 25 per cent of Vanuatu’s population, 2 were impacted, with Efate and the nearby islands being the worst affected areas. Of these, an estimated 36,000 people living in Port Vila were directly affected. The destruction severely disrupted telecommunications, electricity, and water supplies, increasing health risks, particularly for vulnerable people. Port Vila’s main hospital, schools, and two major water reservoirs, were severely damaged, leaving thousands without medical services or access to clean water. Landslides and debris have blocked roads and damaged airstrips, restricting access to affected areas. One landslide is reported to have engulfed a mini-bus, likely resulting in multiple fatalities. Landslides have also caused significant damage to some houses. One of the wharves in Port Vila has been closed, which is impacting local shipping. There is an ongoing risk of further damage to bridges due to aftershocks and/or heavy rain. The damage to the Tagabe bridge has led to a restriction on heavy vehicles, requiring them to take a detour to access Port Vila. In addition, there is a risk of significant flooding in areas where rockfalls have partially blocked rivers or watercourses. The central business district in Port Vila has been cordoned off due to collapsed buildings and risks of further damage. This has impacted business owners and vendors, and also resulted in some employees losing jobs. The main market has closed, although some vendors are selling produce at alternative locations. Long-term lack of urban planning, and poor construction techniques have contributed to damage in informal settlements. Vanuatu was already grappling with limited access to clean water, poor sanitation, and access to healthcare. These factors have exacerbated the humanitarian impacts of the earthquake. The Government of Vanuatu declared a seven-day State of Emergency. It activated the National Emergency Operations Centre and requested assistance from the Red Cross. The Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS), with support from the IFRC, mobilised volunteers to provide emergency relief, health support, and needs assessments. 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.3 Operational challenges, damaged infrastructure, and a lack of comprehensive assessment data have hindered early relief efforts. Coordinated international support is urgently needed to address immediate humanitarian needs and facilitate the early recovery.