Vanuatu earthquake: Latest update paints a distressing picture

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Concerns about gender-based violence in Vanuatu emerged in a government report following the devastating earthquake that struck Port Vila just over three weeks ago.

Officials believe the death toll from the 7.3-magnitude earthquake on December 17 remains at 14, with 265 injured.

The Vanuatu Police Force, which is also involved in the search and rescue operation, said seven people died at the Billabong building.

The other victims died in the Port Vila area.

A just-released report by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) provides a dire picture of its impact on the country.

The National Disaster Management Office said 80,000 people were affected and 1,473 were displaced from their homes.

A coastal community in Vanuatu holds an outdoor church service to bring people together. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins

The report reveals that displaced people living in poorly lit, substandard or outdoor accommodation are more at risk of gender-based violence.

It highlights the need to increase awareness of the issue, access to counseling services and improve lighting.

Since the earthquake, 1,954 people have received emergency shelter supplies, 13,794 relief items have been delivered and 1,300 families have been surveyed for food and security.

Electricity, water and telephone services have been largely restored, although internet services are still under repair.

Dr. Sal Vuruparavo says they had to move entire sections of the affected sections of the hospital and make replacements in safer parts of the building after the quake. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins

Lavinia Mahet, Save the Children's operations manager in Vanuatu, told RNZ Pacific they were working to rehabilitate the children before school starts next month.

“We have created what we call child-friendly spaces,” she said. “We have five sites that are actively operating, and these spaces provide a safe haven where children can come and play, draw, read and color.”

“So this provides them with an opportunity to be themselves and be a child again and forget the trauma that happened.”

Mahit said that the majority of schools are fit to return to.

The report identifies urgent humanitarian needs in Vanuatu, which include:

Essential household items including sleeping gear, cooking utensils, solar lamps, tarpaulins and tool kits Risk assessments of damaged properties, including those in semi-urban and rural areas Repair or rebuild a large number of homes Lack of skills to assess structural damage

The persistent hurricane threat, with heavy rains and strong winds, has exacerbated damage to buildings and delayed recovery efforts, the report said.

“Stay strong and carry on Vanuatu,” says a local business sign in Port Vila. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Moses Cocoa

Urgent issues in the health sector include:

Severe water shortages in all eight health facilities Lack of psychological support for healthcare workers and patients High cases of influenza-like illnesses and diarrhea due to contaminated water Lack of medical supplies in Vila Central Hospital

Displacement and evacuation center management issues include:

275 people are staying in four evacuation centers and 1,198 people are in host families. Shortages of medical supplies, food, water, lighting, shelter supplies and toiletries

Logistically, Vanuatu needs:

Effective allocation and monitoring of incoming relief supplies to ensure equal distribution and timely delivery of critical items to families More transportation and personnel to manage and deliver the high volume of relief items

Issues related to food security and agriculture include:

Need for assessment and planning to ensure consistent delivery of food to affected families. Support agricultural recovery including essential agricultural supplies. Aftershocks continue

Vanuatu's Department of Meteorology and Geological Hazards said aftershocks were continuing.

“Following persistent rumours, we would like to clarify that there are no warnings regarding earthquakes or tsunami waves,” she said in a statement.

“Earthquakes cannot be predicted.”

The rain is expected to intensify over the northern islands, VMGD said.

She added that there is a risk of landslides in the areas surrounding Efate, as heavy rains may stimulate movement in areas weakened by recent earthquakes.

The authorities urge caution in these areas.

A warning of strong offshore winds has also been issued for the southern and central waters of Vanuatu.

Recovery plan

Peter Kurisa, from the Recovery Operations Centre, told VBTC that the recovery plan will take about two years and will be divided into different phases.

He said that engineer evaluations are continuing to determine the safety of the building, with occupancy certificates being issued for the buildings that have been cleared.

The Recovery Operations Center has issued a warning to the public in Port Vila and in Efate about restricted access to CBD.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reported that authorities noticed several unauthorized people and vehicles entering the restricted areas.

Anyone who attempts to enter restricted areas without permission will face arrest and prosecution.

Entry into the buildings will only be allowed after a safety certificate is issued by the Public Works Department.

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