Suva / Kuala Lumpur / Geneva, 20 December – The island country of Vanuatu is reeling from the devastating impact of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that has claimed at least 10 lives, left over 200 injured, and caused widespread destruction across Efate Island, including the capital, Port Vila. This disaster, compounded by aftershocks and resulting landslides, is a stark reminder of the growing vulnerabilities faced by Pacific nations in the face of natural and climate-induced hazards.
The earthquake has destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. With communication lines and internet connectivity disrupted, response efforts have been severely hampered. Families are struggling to access safe drinking water, food, and medical care as the government and humanitarian agencies mobilise to address immediate needs.
The Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS), supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is working tirelessly to assist affected communities despite operational challenges, including damage to its own facilities.
“The devastating impact of this earthquake is compounded by Vanuatu’s constant battle with natural hazards. We need to go beyond response—we need sustained investments in preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure,” said Dickinson Tevi, Secretary General of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society.
The crisis in Vanuatu emphasises the need for increased support for disaster preparedness and resilience programmes. Many Pacific countries like Vanuatu face recurring disasters that erode development gains and strain response capacities. While global discussions continue on addressing vulnerabilities in disaster-prone regions, it is essential to prioritise investments in community-based response mechanisms - such as disaster-resistant housing and strengthened early warning systems. This investment is critical to saving lives and reducing the overall costs of humanitarian response.
"An earthquake of this magnitude means that the needs will be huge. IFRC is ready to provide support as we anticipate that the needs will be scaled up in the days and weeks ahead. We are working closely with the team at Vanuatu Red Cross Society to ascertain the needs on the ground and how best we can provide support in a timely and safe manner,” said Katie Greenwood, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for the Pacific.
Vanuatu’s Urgent Humanitarian Needs
The immediate priorities in Vanuatu include:
- Search and rescue operations to save lives.
- Restoring communication and transportation infrastructure.
- Providing emergency medical care, safe drinking water, and temporary shelters.
- Supporting families to rebuild in a way that minimises future disaster risks.
Vanuatu’s resilience is tested time and again, yet its communities continue to demonstrate remarkable strength. The international community must now act decisively to support both the immediate response, and the long-term preparedness needed to reduce the risks of future disasters. Preparedness is not a luxury; it is a life-saving investment. By acting now, we can prevent future crises and build a safer, more sustainable future for vulnerable nations like Vanuatu.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]
In Suva: Soneel Ram, +679 998 3688
In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +6019 271 3641
In Geneva: Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109