Port Vila Ifati Earthquake Recovery and Resilience Plan 2024 – Vanuatu

Attachments Executive summary

On 17 December 2024, a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu, with its epicenter 34 km west of Efate and 150 km west of Erromango. The earthquake caused major devastation, claiming 14 lives as of December 22, injuring more than 210 people, and displacing thousands. Port Vila, Ifate and surrounding areas suffered severe structural damage, including the collapse of bridges, public buildings and critical infrastructure such as the Tagabe, Teoma and Blacksand bridges. Two major water reserves in the Ohlen area were destroyed, cutting off vital water supplies to Port Vila. The disaster also led to power outages, communications and access to basic services, leaving communities vulnerable and in desperate need of support. A seven-day state of emergency was declared to mobilize resources and begin coordinated response efforts.

The Recovery and Resilience Plan sets out a comprehensive framework to address the immediate, medium and long-term needs of the affected population. It builds on the rapid response and assessments conducted by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the newly established Recovery Operations Center (ROC). These efforts have highlighted critical priorities in several sectors:

Infrastructure: The earthquake caused severe damage to roads, bridges and public buildings. Immediate repairs are needed to restore connectivity and ensure access to basic services, especially for emergency response operations. Long-term recovery will include rebuilding resilient infrastructure that adheres to disaster-resistant design standards.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: Widespread damage to water systems and contamination of water supplies pose significant health risks. Water is being trucked in and damaged tanks and pipelines are being repaired, with additional investments needed to restore and secure water supplies to communities.

Health: The health sector faced enormous pressure, with hospitals managing infections and preparing for potential disease outbreaks due to weak water and sanitation systems. Medical supplies, emergency medical teams and temporary health facilities are essential to sustain healthcare delivery during the recovery phase.

Housing: Thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged, leaving many families displaced and in need of shelter. Recovery efforts will focus on providing temporary shelter, supporting reconstruction through resilient construction practices, and ensuring vulnerable populations have access to adequate housing.

Education: Schools in the affected areas suffered extensive damage, disrupting learning for many children. Immediate priorities include repairing facilities, replacing educational materials, and incorporating the principles of building back better to ensure safer learning environments.

Communications: The earthquake disrupted communications networks, including damage to government broadband infrastructure. Restoring these systems is essential for coordination between government agencies and emergency response teams, as well as for reconnecting affected communities.

The Recovery and Resilience Plan provides a roadmap for mobilizing resources, coordinating efforts across sectors, and engaging development partners in supporting the country’s recovery. It identifies key recovery projects and highlights the importance of building resilience to future risks. This plan will serve as a guiding document for ministries, stakeholders and international partners to align recovery initiatives with the principles of sustainability and disaster preparedness.

Although the estimated recovery cost is significant, the government remains committed to ensuring a comprehensive and timely recovery. By prioritizing the needs of affected communities and strengthening resilience, the Recovery and Resilience Plan aims to rebuild a stronger, safer and more sustainable Vanuatu for the future. The collective efforts of the government, development partners and communities will be crucial in achieving this vision.

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