Attachments
A. SITUATION ANALYSIS
Description of the crisis
On 17 December 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck approximately 30 kilometres west of Port Vila at a depth of 57 kilometres, causing widespread destruction across Efate and surrounding islands. The earthquake triggered landslides, building collapses, and damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water supply systems, telecommunications, and port facilities. Multiple aftershocks followed, including at least 15 above magnitude 5.0.
According to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), around 80,000 people, about one quarter of Vanuatu’s population were affected, with 36,000 in Port Vila directly impacted. The disaster resulted in 14 fatalities, at least 265 injuries, and over 2,400 people displaced1. Essential services were disrupted, with damage to health facilities, schools, and water systems affecting access to healthcare, education, and safe water. Electricity and telecommunications were also temporarily interrupted.
Access and logistics were significantly constrained due to damage to roads, bridges, and port infrastructure, while
landslides and transport restrictions delayed relief efforts. The closure of Port Vila’s central business district and main market led to business disruptions, job losses, and reduced household income. Pre-existing vulnerabilities such as limited access to basic services, poverty, and weak construction practices exacerbated the overall impact, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The Government of Vanuatu declared a State of Emergency, activated the National Emergency Operations Centre
(NEOC), and requested humanitarian assistance. In line with national protocols, sector coordination mechanisms
were activated. The Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS), supported by the IFRC and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners, rapidly mobilized volunteers to conduct needs assessments and deliver life-saving assistance in shelter, health, WASH, and psychosocial support. To support the scale-up of operations, the IFRC launched a CHF 5 million Emergency Appeal, complemented by bilateral contributions from Partner National Societies.
Following the end of the State of Emergency on 24 December 2024, national coordination transitioned from
emergency response to recovery. The Government established a Recovery Operations Centre (ROC) under the
leadership of the Department of Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid Coordination (DSPPAC) and launched the
Earthquake Recovery and Resilience Plan, with an estimated budget of approximately 26 billion Vatu (CHF 190
million)2. This framework set the direction for multi-year recovery, reconstruction, and resilience-building efforts.
By the end of the operation in December 2025, the humanitarian situation had largely stabilized. Most displaced
families have returned to their communities and basic services have resumed. Government-led recovery efforts
through the ROC, complemented by shelter and conditional cash assistance, enabled households to continue
repairing homes and restoring livelihoods. While rebuilding and psychosocial recovery are still ongoing, public
services, including schools and health facilities, have largely resumed operations, and community resilience and
disaster risk reduction activities are well under way. Overall, the population has moved close to a new level of
normalcy, with everyday life largely restored but longer-term recovery and resilience-building still ongoing.