VANUATU EARTHQUAKES: Children Will Need Shelter, Food and Access to Schools in Aftermath of Earthquakes

PORT VILA, (December 18, 2024) – Children in Vanuatu need immediate support to ensure they have shelter, food and healthcare as well as access to education following two earthquakes in Vanuatu that caused widespread destruction in the capital Port Vila, Save the Children said.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, triggering landslides and causing major damage to buildings. Less than 24 hours later, a second, 5.5 magnitude earthquake rocked the island nation, and a state of emergency was declared.

With communication lines still largely down, the full extent of the devastation remains unclear. Still, the earthquakes have damaged buildings in Port Vila, including schools and hospitals, with rescue operations currently underway for people trapped under debris and collapsed buildings.

The Vanuatu Government has confirmed at least 14 people* have died. Early estimates from the government indicate up to 80,000 people are living within the affected population areas.

Early data suggests about 23,000 people are in urgent need, highlighting the immediate risks to children, who are always the most vulnerable in times of disaster.

Vanuatu, a low-lying archipelago in the South Pacific located thousands of kilometres east of northern Australia, is no stranger to seismic activity, and the country is susceptible to frequent large earthquakes and other natural disasters.

The country is still recovering from twin Category Four Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin, which struck in March 2023 and directly impacted more than 80% of the country's population of about 320,000 people.

Kim Koch, Save the Children Pacific Regional Director, said: 
"While we still don't know the full extent of the devastation, it's clear that this has been a major disaster and that children, who are already the most vulnerable in times of crisis, need immediate support, ensuring they have access to shelter, food and water, and healthcare.

"It's critical we focus on the immediate needs of children and their families, but we must also begin to think about their long-term recovery. Rebuilding schools, ensuring access to education, and providing mental health support to children are essential steps in the recovery process.

"We are committed to working with the Government of Vanuatu as well as donor countries such as Australia, to support local communities in their recovery, ensuring that children's rights, health, and safety are prioritized in the response efforts."

Save the Children has a long history of responding to emergencies in the Pacific and Vanuatu and is currently supporting the Vanuatu Government to assess the earthquake's impact and stand ready to support the communities we serve. We will be guided by the National Disaster Management Office's plan for response.

Through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership's Disaster READY Program, funded by the Australian Government, Save the Children is also working with communities across Vanuatu to develop disaster preparedness plans and conduct drills to prepare for emergencies.