The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has mobilised in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Vanuatu last week, leaving widespread destruction and thousands of lives disrupted.
A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake shook Port Vila on December 17, followed by another 6.1-magnitude tremor on December 18. The official death toll stands at 12, but authorities warn that the number is likely to increase as search and rescue operations continue. According to Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office, approximately 80,000 people, including 28,000 children—nearly 27 per cent of the nation’s population—have been impacted by the disaster.
Amid the devastation, ADRA Vanuatu and the Vanuatu Mission have confirmed the safety of their staff and families, however some staff members have relatives who among the missing and deceased.
Efforts to assist those affected have been ramped up as communities grapple with trauma, injuries and lack of essential supplies.
ADRA has distributed more than 2000 litres of water, hygiene kits, dignity kits and menstrual hygiene kits to 66 households sheltering at the Fokona School evacuation centre. The team is part of the Displacement and Evacuation Centre Management (DECM) cluster who are assessing the needs of evacuation centres, where many people remain too afraid to return home due to frequent aftershocks.
Health awareness campaigns, psychological first aid (PFA) and the dissemination of information materials are also part of ADRA’s immediate response. Medical supplies and clean water remain critical priorities for families left without access to these necessities.
According to ADRA Vanuatu’s latest Situation Report (December 21), the earthquake has caused significant damage to infrastructure:
- Landslides have been reported in villages around Efate.
- The Tagabe Bridge is at risk of collapse if heavy rains occur.
- Connectivity issues continue due to intermittent mobile and network services.
- Some hospital services have been relocated to Freshwota Clinic due to damage caused to Vila Central Hospital.
In addition to distributing emergency supplies, ADRA has:
- Supported the Health and Gender Protection cluster to establish a tent at Mele village clinic and outside the maternity ward of Vila Central Hospital.
- Conducted damage assessments on prepositioned supplies, with plans to replace damaged hygiene kits.
- Worked with the DECM cluster to assess the evacuation centre at Erakor Area Council.
ADRA also plans to distribute hygiene kits and other essential items to host communities at the Kaweriki evacuation centre today (December 22).
As the country observes a state of emergency and a week-long period of mourning, authorities are striving to restore basic services. Port Vila International Airport has reopened today to commercial flights, providing a crucial lifeline for the delivery of aid and medical supplies.
