UN Agencies Boost Relief Efforts in Vanuatu After Devastating Earthquake Crisis

UN agencies are ramping up their efforts in Vanuatu following a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck earlier this week, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people and injuring over 200 others. The calamity was compounded by a subsequent 6.1 magnitude tremor on Sunday, creating further challenges for the already affected communities. A state of emergency remains in effect across the island nation, and a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been implemented in parts of Port Vila, scheduled to last until 24 December. Access to the seaport is reportedly hindered due to blocked roads, complicating relief efforts. As of Saturday night, the impact of the initial earthquake has been severe, affecting over 80,000 individuals, with nearly 1,700 people temporarily displaced. Local authorities have established 11 evacuation centers that are currently sheltering more than 1,200 evacuees. Many others have sought refuge with host families. The immediate humanitarian needs are critical, with communities facing significant risks of waterborne diseases due to the destruction of infrastructure. Access to clean water, food, and healthcare services has become paramount as the situation evolves. Health services in Vanuatu are under immense strain, particularly at the Vanuatu Central Hospital (VCH), which is in urgent need of medical supplies and coordinated support. Reports indicate that the hospital is struggling to cope with the influx of patients, highlighting the pressing requirement for additional resources and personnel to manage the health crisis. In response to this escalating humanitarian crisis, a flight coordinated by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) arrived in Port Vila on Saturday, delivering much-needed relief supplies and surge teams from various UN agencies and humanitarian partners. Key organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), are collaborating closely with national authorities to mobilize support for recovery efforts. UNFPA has promptly set up maternity tents at VCH to cater to the needs of pregnant women, while UNICEF has established overflow tents to manage the additional patient load and deployed child protection teams to support families and healthcare workers during this challenging time. To ensure access to clean drinking water, UNICEF has also delivered bladder water tanks to the hospital. Moreover, the WFP has dispatched emergency telecommunications specialists to restore communication networks that have been disrupted, which are vital for coordinating ongoing relief efforts. They are also working with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and other partners to evaluate food security needs in the wake of the disaster. The UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) is conducting satellite assessments to determine the extent of damage and to help prioritize resource allocation in the affected regions. The humanitarian response is further supported by organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which is actively providing assistance on the ground alongside national response teams. Alpha Bah, Director for WFP Pacific Multi-Country Office, emphasized the importance of a timely and coordinated response to assist those affected. "We are saddened by the loss of lives and destruction to property caused by this earthquake. This concerted effort is crucial to ensure that people affected by the earthquake receive timely and essential assistance," Bah stated. He reaffirmed WFP's commitment to supporting the NDMO and other national institutions, pledging to bolster Vanuatu's response amid this crisis. As the situation continues to develop, the need for solidarity and swift action remains critical to aid the communities grappling with the aftermath of these devastating earthquakes.