Fears of floods and landslides as severe weather is expected on Christmas Day in earthquake-hit Vanuatu

Vanuatu's deadly 7.3-magnitude earthquake has forced 1,700 people from their homes, with many still sleeping outdoors, as weather forecasts predict heavy rains in Port Vila on Christmas Day.

More than 1,200 people are taking shelter in evacuation centers, while others are staying in other temporary accommodation, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

“Many people are afraid to return to their homes because the buildings are not safe and have been damaged and the tremors are continuing,” said Lavinia Mahet, Save the Children’s acting country director.

“There are a large number of people sleeping in private residential yards without shelter. Most of these displaced people are still at risk.”

Landslides destroyed homes around Vanuatu's main island of Ifati during last week's earthquake. (Facebook: UNICEF Pacific)

With 12 people confirmed dead and several still missing after last Tuesday's earthquake, Vanuatu's Department of Meteorology and Geological Hazards warned on Monday that severe weather could cause flooding along coastal areas and rivers, flash floods, and landslides around Ifati.

Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office posted on social media urging people to act safely as the country is hit by extreme weather.

“As we prepare for Christmas, we must also think carefully about making sure our families are always safe,” she added.

A landslide buried part of the main road leading to the Port Vila pier last week. (Supplied: Dan McGarry)

People are evacuating the Mele area northwest of Port Vila due to the risk of major flooding.

Rain is expected from Monday afternoon, intensifying to heavy rain on Wednesday.

However, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said the tropical depression over the Coral Sea has a very small chance of developing into a tropical cyclone on Monday and Tuesday.

“Most visitors returned home.”

Nearly 1,000 Australians have been repatriated on RAAF and commercial flights since Wednesday last week.

After transporting about 700 Australians to Brisbane over 10 flights, no further return flights were scheduled for the Royal Australian Air Force as Port Vila Airport reopened to commercial flights including flights from Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar on Sunday.

About 300 passengers, including Australians, returned to Australia from Vanuatu on Sunday on commercial flights.

The Australians were repatriated on RAAF flights from Port Vila to Brisbane over five days after the earthquake. (Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

More will be returning home that day on commercial flights, Vanuatu Tourism Office Chief Executive Adela Issachar Aro said on Monday afternoon.

“Most of the visitors who were staying in hotels and resorts returned to their home country within the past 48 hours,” she said.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also said 150 Australian Pacific Vanuatu Labor Mobility Program workers returned to Vanuatu on Sunday after being unable to reach their homes and families following the earthquake.

Ni-Vanuatu PALM workers have returned home from Australia after being unable to reach Vanuatu for several days following the earthquake. (Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Ms Aro said 40 per cent of tourism operators in Efate were operating at full capacity and another 19 per cent were operating partially.

As Vanuatu approaches the one-week mark since the disaster, medical services remain overwhelmed and essential services are still being reconnected across the city.

Port Vila Central Hospital treated 210 injured people, and Australian medical teams are helping to respond to the disaster.

Port Vila is still reconnecting basic services after the earthquake led to water, electricity and communications outages.

Utility company UNELCO said on Sunday that 75 percent of the city's water services had been restored, as had about 70 percent of the electricity grid.

Residents are still advised to boil water.

Is Vanuatu the most affected country in the world?

People in Vanuatu are praising its recent display of resilience in the wake of a deadly 7.3-magnitude earthquake, but say it cannot respond to successive natural disasters alone.

But Lavinia Mahet of Save the Children said water supplies remained intermittent in some parts while repairs continued.

“We urgently need safe drinking water and blood vessels,” she said.

Ms Mahit also raised concerns about the long-term impact of the natural disaster on mental health.

“There are a lot of traumatized people, especially children,” Ms. Mahit said. “Beside the basics of survival, Save the Children cares about children and young people, as they are the most vulnerable.”

“We are concerned that constant trauma causes anxiety.”

Much of the city's central business district remains closed to the public as emergency services and international search and rescue crews clear debris in the wake of the natural disaster.

With VBTC

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