Press Release

United Nations and Humanitarian Partners Mobilize Response to Vanuatu Earthquake

18 December 2024

Suva, Fiji: The United Nations is mobilizing humanitarian support requested by the Government of Vanuatu as part of the ongoing response to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked the country yesterday.

The UN in the Pacific offers its deepest sentiments to the Government and people of the Republic of Vanuatu. 

According to the National Disaster Management Office, the earthquake which struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila on 17 December has affected an estimated 80,000 people. While a total number of 14 deaths have been confirmed with 200 injured, the numbers are expected to increase. 

Many buildings have sustained major structural damage, with bridges, power lines and public water supply lines damaged in urban areas. Ports of entry at Port Vila’s main wharf (Lapetasi) are closed due to a major landslide. Nearby villages near Efate have also experienced landslides. Communications in many areas have been cut off.

The Government has declared a state of emergency, and the national emergency response is operational. An initial rapid impact assessment has identified an immediate need for water, medical teams and medical supplies, among others.

The UN and humanitarian partners are mobilizing to meet these needs in support of the Government-led response. Years of joint disaster preparedness efforts in the Pacific are translating into a timely response within 24 hours of the earthquake.

This collaboration has prepared a collective effort to overcome significant geographical and logistical hurdles to meet the needs of earthquake-affected people and communities, wherever they are.

#Ends

Media contact:

Debbie Singh, Communications Specialist, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Suva, Fiji. Email: Debrah.singh@un.org. WhatsApp: +679 2787513.

 

UN entities involved in this initiative

IOM
International Organization for Migration
OCHA
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
RCO
United Nations Resident Coordinator Office
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNFPA
United Nations Population Fund
UNICEF
United Nations Children’s Fund
WFP
World Food Programme
WHO
World Health Organization

Goals we are supporting through this initiative