The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has initiated urgent relief efforts in response to the recent earthquakes that have severely impacted Vanuatu. A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Port Vila on December 17, 2024, followed by a subsequent tremor of magnitude 6.1 on December 18. As of now, the official death toll stands at 12, with authorities cautioning that the number may rise as search and rescue operations continue.

According to Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office, approximately 80,000 individuals, including 28,000 children—nearly 27 percent of the nation’s population—have been affected by the disaster. While ADRA Vanuatu and the Vanuatu Mission have confirmed the safety of their staff and families, some staff members report having relatives among the missing or deceased.

Efforts to provide assistance to those impacted are being intensified as communities face trauma, injuries, and shortages of essential supplies. ADRA has so far distributed more than 2,000 liters of water, hygiene kits, dignity kits, and menstrual hygiene products to 66 households sheltering at the Fokona School evacuation center. The organization is part of the Displacement and Evacuation Centre Management (DECM) cluster, which is assessing the needs of evacuation centers, many of which are still fearing aftershocks and have not yet returned to their homes.

In addition to distributing supplies, ADRA is conducting health awareness campaigns, providing psychological first aid (PFA), and distributing informational materials. Medical supplies and access to clean water are crucial priorities for families affected by the earthquakes.

ADRA Vanuatu’s latest Situation Report, issued on December 21, highlights the considerable damage caused by the earthquakes. The report notes that landslides have affected villages around Efate and there is a risk of collapse for the Tagabe Bridge, particularly during heavy rainfall. Additionally, there are ongoing connectivity issues due to intermittent disruptions in mobile and network services. Furthermore, some hospital services have been relocated to Freshwota Clinic due to damage sustained at Vila Central Hospital.

Additionally, ADRA has supported the Health and Gender Protection cluster in establishing a tent at the Mele village clinic and outside the maternity ward of Vila Central Hospital. Damage assessments have been conducted on prepositioned supplies, with plans to replace damaged hygiene kits. ADRA is also working with the DECM cluster to evaluate conditions at the evacuation center located at Erakor Area Council.

ADRA also distributed hygiene kits and essential items to host communities at the Kaweriki evacuation center on December 22.

As Vanuatu observes a state of emergency and a week-long period of mourning, authorities are focused on restoring basic services. Notably, Port Vila International Airport has reopened to commercial flights, providing a vital lifeline for the delivery of aid and medical supplies amidst the crisis.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.