UNFPA Vanuatu Earthquake Flash Update

On 17 December 2024, a major 7.3 earthquake magnitude struck Vanuatu at 12:47 pm local time with the epicenter 37km West of Port Vila. There are 14 confirmed deaths and 200 people are injured. However, these numbers are expected to rise as search and rescue teams continue.

Major damage to infrastructure and bridges have been reported, and there is a high likelihood of casualties trapped under collapsed buildings in Port Vila. Access to the main port in Port Vila has been compromised due to severe landslides.

The main referral hospital, Vila Central Hospital, has reported structural damages and the operation theatre is reported to be non-functional. Only emergency services are operational, and hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of patients. The Government of Vanuatu has declared a State of Emergency for the next seven days.

UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office has swiftly mobilized its resources to contribute to the coordinated humanitarian response. UNFPA is leveraging its prepositioned supplies of dignity kits and inter-agency reproductive health kits to support the immediate health and protection needs of women, girls, and vulnerable populations. In parallel, UNFPA-trained personnel in sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence in emergencies, and coordination, stand ready to provide technical and operational support.