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The Devastating Earthquake in Vanuatu
On 17 December 2024, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, impacting more than a quarter of the country’s population. The disaster caused significant damage to homes, health facilities, and other infrastructure, leaving communities in this South Pacific Island nation without adequate food, water, and sanitation. Fourteen lives were lost in the earthquake, and hundreds were injured. Nearly 1500 people remain displaced, seeking shelter in evacuation centers or with host families.
Resilience in the Face of Disaster
Amidst the devastation, Vanuatu has shown remarkable resilience. Health facilities in and around Port Vila were operational soon after the earthquake, ensuring continued access to care. Decentralized outpatient services have eased the pressure on the main hospital, Vila Central Hospital, allowing it to focus on more complex and urgent cases. Vanuatu’s health leaders, doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals provided lifesaving services in the minutes, hours, and days after the earthquake, continuing work to care for those in need. The response is also supported by a network of partners like WHO, who have supported assessments of damaged health facilities, coordinated deployment of international emergency medical teams (EMTs), and shared life-saving information in local languages.
Swift Response for Recovery
Vanuatu is no stranger to disasters, with a history of earthquakes and tropical cyclones. The recent earthquake posed immense challenges, with damaged facilities and disrupted communication initially hindering needs assessments and response coordination. However, rapid deployment of satellite technology quickly resolved many of these issues. Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health (MOH), with support from WHO and other partners, swiftly activated incident management systems and coordinated operations from the National, Provincial and Vila Central Hospital Health Emergency Operations Centres.
Addressing Psychological Needs
The earthquake also left psychological scars, with many struggling to cope with loss, uncertainty, and fear. Mental health and psychosocial support capacities and clear communication became crucial in addressing urgent needs of the communities. Vanuatu’s MOH, with support from WHO, crafted public health messages focusing on safe water access, injury prevention during aftershocks, and hygiene in evacuation centers, ensuring that the communities received timely and relevant information.
Emergency Medical Teams Leading the Response
In the first 24 hours, EMTs – highly trained teams composed of doctors, nurses, paramedics, and logisticians – were quickly mobilized to provide immediate care including treating injuries, performing surgeries, and assisting with deliveries of babies. Services were offered at Vila Central Hospital and in outpatient health facilities, ensuring the continued provision of critical medical care across the region.
Meeting of the Vanuatu’s national emergency medical team, the Vanuatu Medical Assistance Team (VanMAT), which deployed after the earthquake to the Vila Central Hospital. © WHO / P.Beauchemin
“The aftermath of this earthquake is a stark reminder of how people’s health and well-being are deeply impacted by disasters. From treating injuries to restoring vital health services, early response makes all the difference,” said Ms Sharin Vile, MOH Senior Disaster officer co-leading the Vanuatu’s EMT Coordination Cell (EMTCC) and the Vanuatu Medical Assistance Team (VanMAT).
By strengthening local capacities, supporting vulnerable groups, and fostering regional partnerships, Vanuatu is turning this crisis into an opportunity to rebuild a more resilient health system. “We are standing by our communities, working and healing together to rebuild Port Vila so that we are even more resilient for future disasters,” said Sharin Vile, highlighting the nation’s commitment to long-term recovery and preparedness.
