40,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance (UNICEF estimation)
Following a magnitude 7.3 earthquake near Vanuatu's Capital Port Vila around 12:51 PM on 17 December 2024, thousands of vulnerable children and their families need urgent support especially for life-saving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) supplies, first aid, health, and psychological support.
As of 18th December, NDMO confirmed 14 fatalities either from collapsed buildings or landslides. The numbers may rise as search and rescue operations intensifies and expands. Over 200 are reported injured while many are still missing. According to UNICEF staff on the ground, most injuries are fractures, cuts and traumas related to falling objects and sharp items. GoV estimates over 80,000 people to have been affected by the earthquake. According to NDMO, two major water reservoirs in Port Vila are severely damaged. Assessment of water network is ongoing with affected residents already rationing water.
Many buildings have either collapsed or suffered significant damages. Most buildings including those housing diplomatic missions reported major structural damages. Telecommunication networks in most areas are either down or intermittent at best. Only those with Star Link are able to push out vital information out of the country.
Vila Central Hospital emergency services are being conducted outside the hospital due to concerns for the structural integrity of the hospital. The hospital's operating theatre is not functional, and tents have been set up in front of the hospital to treat the injured as they arrive.
Landslides and damaged road and bridges has blocked access to the airport and the main seaport. While the seaport is closed, the airport is operational for incoming humanitarian assistance.