Vanuatu update: World Bank fast tracks emergency response

Rescue and clean up operations in Vanuatu. Photo: Vanuatu Police Force

The World Bank has fast-tracked US$12 million to the Government of Vanuatu for emergency response and recovery, following a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake on December 17.

This support comes through a Rapid Response Option (RRO), which is a new form of flexible, fast access to financing for crisis response introduced by the World Bank.

“The Government is assessing the damage from the earthquake and is continuing to work to deliver more support, shelter, and assistance to those in need,” said Vanuatu’s Caretaker Minister for Finance and Economic Management, Johnny Koanapo. “This support from the World Bank, along with support from other partners, will be vital in ensuring we have the resources required to assist those most impacted.”

Vanuatu hit by another earthquake

Vanuatu was struck by another earthquake, a magnitude 6.1 tremor that shook buildings on the country’s main island at 2:30 AM on Sunday.

This earthquake, which occurred 30 km west of the capital Port Vila, came just days after a more powerful 7.3 magnitude quake hit on Tuesday.

The Australian government, responding to the ongoing crisis, announced an additional $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support Vanuatu’s recovery efforts.

The magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck Port Vila on Tuesday claimed at least 16 lives, injured over 200 people, and caused widespread damage. The number of deaths and injuries is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

With infrastructure severely damaged, including water supplies, a health crisis looms, particularly as approximately 20,000 people on the island are without access to clean water.

Aid workers, including those from UNICEF, are warning of potential waterborne diseases spreading in the wake of the disaster.

Australia ramps up aid

In response to the situation, Australia has ramped up its aid, providing $2.5 million for medical care, water, sanitation, and hygiene services. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has also been delivering emergency relief supplies, with recent flights bringing 9.5 tonnes of aid to Port Vila.

In total, 568 Australians have been evacuated back to Australia since the quake, with more expected to return on military flights.

Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar are coordinating with the Australian government to resume flights to Port Vila, with commercial services restarting on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has mobilized surge teams to support the Vanuatu government’s response. UN agencies, including WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA, are providing medical, water, and child protection services.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has also deployed specialists to restore communication networks crucial for coordinating relief efforts.

In total, more than 80,000 people have been affected by the disaster, with nearly 1,700 displaced.

Warnings of disease risk

The UN has warned of rising risks of disease outbreaks, especially as health services remain stretched.

There have been reports of significant damage to buildings, including the Vila Central Hospital and several bridges.

With a curfew still in place, authorities are focused on relocating people from high-risk areas and ensuring the safety of those in landslide-prone zones. The port remains closed, hampering the delivery of aid and recovery resources.

A tropical low in the Coral Sea is also threatening to bring heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods and further landslides.

People living near low lying areas or rivers have also been told to move, should water levels rise.

Neighboring countries have also offered support.

Fiji and NZ lend support

The Fijian military has deployed a team to assist with the recovery efforts.

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the deployment of the military team is part of Fiji’s broader commitment to support neighboring nations in times of crisis, as the country stands in solidarity with Vanuatu during its recovery from the devastating earthquake.

New Zealand’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams continue to assess the damage and prioritize the most critical areas for recovery.

USAR team leader Ken Cooper said last Tuesday’s 7.3 earthquake caused significant landslides.

“Since the team had been in Vanuatu, it had taken damage assessments of buildings and infrastructure, with the Vanuatu government, allowing them to prioritise the biggest risks and to assist the community in recovering more quickly,” Cooper said.

Commercial flights into Vanuatu resumed Sunday, five days after a severe earthquake hit the island.

Airports Vanuatu Chief Executive Jason Rakau said he was thankful the only damage to the airport was from things being thrown around in the terminal.

“The priority was enabling Vanuatu citizens stranded outside the country to return home, and for visitors to Vanuatu to be able to leave,” he adds.

Fiji Airways has also commenced its normal schedule FJ263/262 Sunday afternoon departing to Port Vila at 1:00pm and returning at 4:00pm.