A state of emergency remains in place across the island nation and a seven-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in parts of Port Vila was scheduled to end on December 24. The road leading to the port was also reported to be blocked.
A second earthquake on Sunday raised concerns, with more information awaited on its impact. Information is also awaited on the reopening of Port Vila airport for commercial flights.
Human needs
The earthquake in Vanuatu particularly affected Shefa province.
As of Saturday, more than 80,000 people have been affected by Tuesday’s earthquake last week and about 1,700 people have been temporarily displaced.
More than 1,200 people are taking shelter in eleven evacuation centers, while others are living with host families.
Immediate needs include access to clean water, food and healthcare, as communities face the risk of waterborne diseases.
Health services are also said to be under severe pressure. At the Vanuatu Central Hospital (VCH), critical shortages require essential medical supplies and coordinated support.
As part of the aid response to the growing crisis, a humanitarian flight coordinated by the Pacific Humanitarian Air Service (PHAS) of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) landed in Port Vila on Saturday, carrying relief goods from the United Nations agency, humanitarian partners. And the team was involved.
Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are working closely with national authorities to support the aid response.
Timely support is important
Alpha Bah, Director of WFP’s Pacific Multi-Country Office in Fiji, emphasized the need for timely assistance for affected families.
“We are saddened by the loss of life and property caused by this earthquake. A concerted effort is necessary to ensure that people affected by the earthquake receive timely and necessary assistance,” he said.
He said WFP is dedicated to supporting national institutions in relief work, and the agency’s efforts will continue to strengthen Vanuatu’s response to the crisis.