Vanuatu: Community cooperation in response to devastating earthquake, snap election highly likely to be delayed

On 17 December, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu with an epicentre 29km west of Port Vila.  Initial impact includes 14 deaths, 200 injured, and widespread property damage. Many others remain missing. The earthquake disrupted power, communications, and an airstrip, and caused a large landslide near the international shipping terminal. An initial tsunami warning has been lifted but the area continued to experience aftershocks up to a magnitude of 5.5.

Assessment: Recovery efforts are likely to be expedited following aid from Australia, Fiji and other South Pacific island countries. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that about one-third of the country’s population of 335,000 has been affected. No security incidents have been reported despite the widespread urban devastation with some observers reporting that local communities are cooperating to rescue and support those affected. It is highly likely to delay the upcoming snap election and decrease tourism revenue in the country.

Sources: “Powerful 7.3 magnitude quake strikes Vanuatu, tsunami waves observed,” RNZ, December 17, 2024; “Vanuatu earthquake leaves at least one dead, mass casualty,” Fiji Times, December 17, 2024; “Live: Death toll rises, hundreds hurt in Vanuatu 7.3 earthquake,” RNZ, December 18, 2024; William B. Davis et al., “Map: 7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Vanuatu,” The New York Times, December 16, 2024.