UN Agencies Mobilize Rapid Response After Deadly Earthquakes Devastate Vanuatu

UN agencies are ramping up their efforts in Vanuatu following a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck earlier this week, claiming 12 lives and injuring over 200 individuals. The situation worsened with a subsequent 6.1 magnitude quake on Sunday, raising the stakes for already vulnerable communities. As the nation grapples with a state of emergency, Port Vila has enacted a seven-day curfew, set to conclude on 24 December. Access to critical infrastructure remains hindered, with reports indicating that roads to the seaport are blocked, further complicating relief efforts. The immediate humanitarian toll has been staggering, with over 80,000 individuals directly affected by the initial quake. Nearly 1,700 people have found themselves displaced, with 11 evacuation centres providing shelter for more than 1,200 individuals. Many others are relying on the generosity of host households for temporary refuge. The pressing needs include access to clean water, food, and healthcare, as the specter of waterborne diseases looms larger in the aftermath of the disaster. Health services across the nation are under severe strain, with the Vanuatu Central Hospital (VCH) in urgent need of essential medical supplies and coordinated support to fill critical gaps in care. The recent earthquakes have pushed the healthcare system to the brink, necessitating immediate interventions to ensure the well-being of those affected. In a bid to address this escalating crisis, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) swiftly coordinated a humanitarian flight that arrived in Port Vila on Saturday. This flight not only delivered relief supplies but also brought surge teams from various UN agencies and humanitarian partners to assist in the response. Agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) have joined forces with national authorities, demonstrating a united front in support of the beleaguered communities. The UNFPA has set up maternity tents at the VCH to ensure safe childbirth and postnatal care, while UNICEF has deployed additional tents to alleviate patient overflow, along with child protection teams to aid families and healthcare workers. To combat the critical water shortage, UNICEF has also provided bladder water tanks to the hospital, ensuring access to clean water for both patients and staff. Restoring communication networks has been another priority. WFP has dispatched emergency telecommunications specialists to re-establish vital lines of communication, facilitating better coordination for ongoing relief efforts. The organization is also collaborating with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to assess food security needs across the affected regions. Additionally, the UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) is utilizing satellite imagery to conduct damage assessments, aiding in the allocation of resources and prioritizing areas that require urgent assistance. Humanitarian partners such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are also on the ground, providing critical support in tandem with national response teams. Alpha Bah, Director for the WFP Pacific Multi-Country Office, emphasized the urgency of a timely response for affected families. "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," he stated. Bah reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to supporting the NDMO and other national institutions, stating that the organization will continue to enhance its efforts in response to this crisis. The situation in Vanuatu remains precarious, and the combined efforts of international agencies and local authorities will be pivotal in addressing the immediate needs and laying the groundwork for recovery in the weeks and months to come.