The recent earthquakes in Vanuatu have triggered urgent humanitarian relief efforts, especially following the devastating 7.3 magnitude quake on December 17, 2024. The earthquake has left at least 16 dead and over 200 injured, with those numbers expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
The epicenter was located near Port Vila, the capital, where the tremors caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and key facilities such as the U.S. Embassy. The embassy sustained significant damage and has since closed its doors until repairs can be made.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this earthquake, and the U.S. government will work closely with our partners in Vanuatu," stated U.S. Embassy officials on social media following the disaster.
On the ground, rescue operations are being complicated by continued aftershocks, including a 6.1 magnitude quake several days later, which struck just before midnight. Those aftershocks raised fears of additional casualties and destruction.
Locals like Michael Thompson, owner of Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, shared harrowing experiences. Having lived on the islands for two decades, he remarked, "There's been an enormous amount of ground movement, you can see splits through buildings, cranes upended, 20-30-ton rocks lying by the road." While he was unable to reach his wife due to impassable roads, reports of landslides and structural collapses poured in.
Authorities quickly declared a seven-day state of emergency to facilitate public health and safety measures as well as the deployment of rescue teams. Search and rescue operations have been underway non-stop, with first responders working tirelessly to free those trapped under rubble.
Katie Greenwood, the Asia-Pacific head of the International Federation of Red Cross, provided updates during the search operations, saying, "We have anecdotal information coming from people at the search and rescue site... those numbers will rise." Such insights highlight the gravity of the situation and the challenges faced by rescuers.
On the humanitarian front, the Australian government has stepped up, providing substantial financial assistance, announcing $5 million to support relief efforts. Military flights have transported around 700 Australians back home safely, along with humanitarian supplies weighing over 9.5 tonnes delivered to Port Vila.
While the international airspace to Vanuatu has reopened for commercial flights, relief agencies are also working rapidly to restore power and water supplies disrupted by the earthquake. UNICEF's water, sanitation, and hygiene specialist Brecht Mommen warned of looming health concerns, stating there is dire need for clean water access affected by the damage. About 20,000 residents currently cannot access safe drinking water.
The New Zealand Red Cross has been instrumental on the ground, coordinating efforts with local teams. They reported having enough relief items on hand for 4,000 households and have rolled out their Restoring Family Links service to help reconnect families separated by the disaster.
Residents are advised to avoid entering damaged buildings as they could pose serious risks due to instabilities. Efforts are now focused not only on immediate rescue and recovery but also on long-term rebuilding plans to facilitate Vanuatu's return to normalcy.
Resilience and solidarity will be key as the islands recover. Donations from around the world are already aiding immediate needs, from providing food and medication to supporting water distribution and reconstruction efforts. The road to recovery will be long, but with global support and local determination, Vanuatu can rise from this tragedy.
