Vanuatu Urges Evacuations as Heavy Rain and Aftershocks Heighten Landslide Threat

Authorities in Vanuatu have issued urgent warnings to residents of Port Vila, advising those living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas to evacuate as heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate conditions following a devastating earthquake that struck the region last week. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.3, triggered significant landslides and aftershocks, increasing the risk of flash flooding and further geological instability. Ken Cooper, the leader of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, has been closely monitoring the situation. He emphasized the potential dangers posed by the incoming weather system, stating, “With the weather system that's coming in, there is a high likelihood that the landslides continue and we need to ensure that there's no life risks if those landslides should move further.” The US Geological Survey reported a significant aftershock measuring 6.1 just west of Port Vila, which has raised concerns about the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure in the area. In light of these risks, engineers from New Zealand and Vanuatu are conducting thorough assessments to determine the safety of communities and decide if further evacuations are necessary. The official death toll from the earthquake has risen to 12, according to the Vanuatu Disaster Management office, with earlier estimates suggesting the number could be as high as 16. This tragic loss has underscored the urgency of the recovery efforts, which have so far involved nearly 1,000 assessments of damaged structures, including critical infrastructure like bridges, the airport, and the port. Cooper highlighted the collaborative efforts of both the Australia USAR team and local engineers, noting that their shared practices have streamlined the assessment process. “When we undertake the assessments that really gives us a clear picture of what should be prioritised and we work with the [Vanuatu] government and their infrastructure cluster,” he explained. Despite the scale of the disaster, the resilience of the Ni-Vanuatu people has shone through. Emma Dunlop-Bennett, the deployment lead for New Zealand, praised the strength and determination of the local population. “As we go out into communities, people are out there, getting up and doing what they can to get themselves into business as usual,” she remarked, expressing her admiration for their spirit in the face of adversity. The New Zealand team is focused on providing essential humanitarian aid, offering consular support to Kiwis in need, and facilitating a smooth transition from relief efforts to recovery. Dunlop-Bennett reiterated the importance of collaboration with the Vanuatu government to address the pressing needs identified in the wake of the earthquake. As the rain continues to fall and the risk of further landslides looms, authorities remain vigilant. They urge residents to heed evacuation orders and prepare for possible flooding, as the combination of geological instability and heavy rainfall creates a precarious situation for the beleaguered capital. The community's resilience, however, presents a beacon of hope amid the challenges faced in the aftermath of this natural disaster.