Vanuatu is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic earthquakes, as officials and humanitarian organizations race to provide relief to scores of affected residents. Just days ago, on December 17, 2024, the island nation was struck by a powerful 7.3 magnitude quake, with reports of deaths and injuries continuing to rise. An accompanying 6.1 magnitude tremor shortly thereafter has intensified the humanitarian crisis, overwhelming local resources.
The tremors have left significant destruction across the main island of Efate, particularly the capital, Port Vila. The official death toll now stands at 16, with many more injured. Authorities warn this number may increase as investigation and rescue efforts continue, amid fears of those still trapped under collapsed buildings.
According to reports from the United Nations and local agencies, approximately 80,000 people have been affected, leaving 1,700 individuals displaced. Many are currently seeking refuge in evacuation centers, with over 1,200 people relying on them for shelter.
The humanitarian needs are dire, as basic supplies such as clean water, food, and medical assistance are quickly running out. Reports indicate rising instances of waterborne diseases as access to safe drinking water dwindles, compounding the urgency of relief efforts. Access to healthcare is critically strained, particularly at Vanuatu Central Hospital, which requires immediate medical supplies and staff support.
Alpha Bah, Director for the WFP Pacific Multi-Country Office, expressed the need for rapid response efforts, stating, “We are saddened by the loss of lives and destruction to property caused by this earthquake. This concerted effort is crucia to ensuring people affected by the earthquake receive timely and necessary assistance.”
UN agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have been mobilizing resources to assist local authorities. A humanitarian flight coordinated by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) arrived to aid relief efforts, delivering emergency supplies. UNICEF has already set up maternity tents within the Vanuatu Central Hospital, where overflow from patient numbers has become common, and deployed teams focused on child protection within local communities.
Concerns have also been raised about the mental health of those impacted, especially children, with Lavinia Mahit, acting Country Director for Save the Children, noting, “Many people are scared to go back to their homes because the structures are not safe and they're damaged and the tremors keep coming.”
While commercial flights resumed on December 22, providing hope for those stranded, the capital continues to experience disruptions. Power outages and telecommunications have plagued the area since the quakes, complicate communication efforts among rescue teams and vulnerable families. Port Vila's main wharf remains closed due to landslides, invoking fears of food insecurity—and complicates the logistics of delivering aid.
The New Zealand engineer Nicholas Brooke, assessing the structural damage, commented earlier, “There is likely to be quite a significant tragedy,” referencing the aftermath of the earthquakes where many homes have literally crumbled. With many residences unable to withstand these seismic forces, thousands find themselves displaced and vulnerable as they await aid.
Severe wet weather is expected to coincide with Christmas Day, raising alarms of possible flooding and landslides across Efate. Emergency services are on high alert, with local agencies advising residents to evacuate high-risk areas as weather presents additional hazards during this delicate recovery stage.
Despite these challenges, international response teams from Australia, New Zealand, and other nations are arriving to assist on the ground. The Australian government, through its Foreign Affairs Department, reported flying over 500 nationals back to safety. A total of 588 persons were brought to Brisbane on military aircraft, as the RAAF continues to assist with humanitarian missions alongside relief flights carrying necessary supplies to Vanuatu.
Much of the required aid is centered on meeting basic needs: the restoration of potable water, food security, and healthcare services—all of which are under immense strain. The government is working alongside organizations like UNICEF, which estimates there are still around 40,000 children needing urgent assistance.
Reports suggest 75 percent of water services have been restored, but residents are still advised to boil drinking water as repairs continue. Save the Children’s Mahit has been vocal about these struggles, stating the community needs more than just temporary housing; they are calling for urgent access to safe drinking water and other essentials.
With about half of the city’s services still being restored, many are left coping without basic necessities. Families displaced by the tremors have set up makeshift shelters—some sleeping outside to avoid fearing collapsing buildings during aftershocks. The immediate future remains uncertain as the region braces for the continuing effects of aftershocks and the new wave of potential severe weather.
The combination of two traumatic natural disasters compels the need for coordinated international support, both for immediate needs and longer-term recovery strategies. While the resilience of the people of Vanuatu shines through the crisis, collective action will be necessary to provide the fundamental support required for rebuilding lives flooded by devastation.
