On 17 December 2024, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. Less than 24 hours later, a second 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit, triggering landslides and causing widespread destruction across the island.
Tragically, 14 people lost their lives, and at least 80,000 people are affected, with over 40,000 children in need of humanitarian support. Many homes, buildings and vital infrastructure have been severely damaged or destroyed, leaving many families, who are still recovering from the twin cyclones of 2023, in desperate need.
Together with our partners, UNICEF is on the ground delivering immediate lifesaving support to children and their families, while preparing to help with rebuilding communities.
Villages devastated by the earthquake
Alice with her three-year-old son, Samuel, were just about to visit a family in their community the earthquake struck.
“When the earthquake got stronger, my little boy was dragged down to the ground,” Alice recalls.
Hearing his cry for help, Alice and her elder son rushed to his rescue.
"Stones covered him up to his neck and dirt covered his head. We could only see his face. We moved the stones away, dug through the soil, and pulled him out,"
Five days after the earthquake, Samuel remains traumatised, crying and trembling with fear every time he feels the aftershocks.
A landslide leaves a family home in ruins
After the earthquake was over, Samuel and his 11-year-old son, Joe, ran to check their house. It was no longer standing.
"The landslide came and destroyed our house."
The family is now staying at his brother’s house until they can rebuild. “We are in shock. Never in our lives have we experienced an earthquake like this.”
A family prepares to rebuild after the earthquake destroys their home
Philip, his wife Rose, and their eight-year-old daughter, Kendra, are from the same community as Alice.
“The earthquake was very powerful and extremely violent,” says Philip as he recalls the traumatic experience.
"When it was over, I felt sad. I looked around, and everything had changed. Nothing was the way it was before the earthquake."
Philip’s home and the water tank the family relied on for daily consumption, including the pipes, have all been damaged.
“The landslide destroyed everything,” he said ruefully.
In a country more prone to cyclones, the 7.3 magnitude earthquake has left families and children in shock.
“My children are still scared because this is new to them. They have never experienced anything like this before,” he said.
How UNICEF is helping children and families in need
With an estimated 40,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance, UNICEF is on the ground, responding to the most urgent needs. These include provision of drinking water through water trucking services, restoring water supply and distribution of jerry cans, health kits and mobilising partners to support access to safe water and hygiene, nutrition and health services, education, child protection, and social protection.
Following the devastating earthquake, UNICEF has been working closely with partners to assess the extent of the damage and bring much needed relief to affected families and children.
UNICEF is working around the clock to reach children and families with the support they urgently need.
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