A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Island of Vanuatu last month, followed by a 6.1-magnitude tremor, leaving at least 14 dead and injuring more than 265 people. The estimated reconstruction cost is $237 million, highlighting the financial challenges ahead.
Our local partners are on the ground providing emergency relief to those affected.
Widespread destruction
The earthquakes caused extensive damage across Port Vila, severely impacting infrastructure and essential services. The city's main hospital has been overwhelmed by mass casualties, with its operating theatres forced to close due to structural damage.
Other critical infrastructure has also suffered major damage, including:
Airport runways and the main port
disrupting transport and relief efforts.
Bridges, including the Tagabe, Teouma, and Black Sand bridges
hindering movement across the region.
Communications networks
making it difficult for families to reach loved ones and for aid organisations to coordinate relief efforts.
Two major water reserves supplying Port Vila
leading to growing concerns about access to clean drinking water.
Humanitarian response
As part of the Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CANDO), Caritas Australia is helping mobilising support. They are currently on the ground assessing the situation and responding to the urgent needs of those affected. These include:
Emergency shelter
for those left without a home.
Food and other
essential supplies.
Psychosocial support
for survivors experiencing trauma.
Recovery and rebuilding efforts
to restore critical infrastructure.
Vanuatu, much like many countries in the Pacific region, is incredibly disaster-prone, regularly facing earthquakes, tropical storms, flooding, landslides and tsunamis. In the aftermath of these earthquakes, many residents remain fearful of further disasters.
Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Manager at Caritas Australia, emphasised the dire situation.
Vanuatu, and particularly Port Vila, has been devastated. People are now trying to recover and perform rescues despite the severe damage to infrastructure such as bridges, telecommunications, water supplies, and the local hospital.
Many are fearing further disaster as Vanuatu is one of the most susceptible countries to natural disasters. These disasters are unfortunately most common at this time of year, when many of us are celebrating and enjoying a break. As we embrace the festivities, we must remember our brothers and sisters in Vanuatu, who need our compassion and support as they recover.
How you can help
The people of Vanuatu urgently need your support. Your generosity can help provide emergency relief and long-term recovery assistance.
As rescue operations continue, every contribution can make a difference in bringing aid to those most affected by this disaster.
