Plan International supports relief efforts after Vanuatu earthquake

Image: Photo of Port Vila following 7.3 earthquake, December 2024. Photo credit: Flora Vano/ActionAid Vanuatu

A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction.

The quake reduced buildings to rubble, triggered landslides, and disrupted power and telecom infrastructure. Multiple aftershocks have further compounded the challenges, leaving communications disrupted and the airport closed.

“The destruction caused by this earthquake is heart-wrenching. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and the many others whose lives have been upended,” said Bhagyashri Dengle, Regional Director of Plan International Asia-Pacific.

“We are committed to ensuring that those most in need, especially girls, young women, and people with disabilities, receive the necessary care and support in these critical moments.”

As of 18 December 2024, the earthquake has affected an estimated 80,000 people, claimed over 14 lives and left 200 injured. According to the National Disaster Management Office, the numbers are expected to increase.

The Vanuatu government has declared a state of emergency and activated the national emergency response. Immediate needs identified include water, medical teams, and medical supplies.

Mudasser Siddiqui, Deputy CEO of Plan International Australia, echoed the urgency of the situation. “We must act swiftly and inclusively to provide essential aid such as emergency food, water, shelter, and psychosocial support. In collaboration with our partners on the ground, Plan is exploring opportunities to secure funding through mechanisms such as the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.”

Plan International remains steadfast in its mission to promote children’s rights and equality for girls, especially during times of crisis.

By working closely with local organizations and stakeholders, Plan aims to prioritize immediate relief while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.

For further information or interview requests, please contact: 

Tran Thu Quynh, Influencing & Communications Regional Lead, Plan International Asia-Pacific

Email: [email protected]

Jackie Hanafie, Media Lead, Plan International Australia

Email: [email protected]

About Plan International 

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, supporters, and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels using our reach, experience, and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries. We won’t stop until we are all equal.

About Plan International Asia-Pacific

Plan International Asia-Pacific (APAC) is a humanitarian and development organization committed to advancing the rights of children and young people, particularly girls. With a focus on gender equality, child protection, and disaster risk reduction, Plan APAC works across 15 countries in partnership with communities, governments, and other stakeholders to create a just and inclusive world where all children can fulfill their potential.

While Plan International does not have a direct presence in Vanuatu, we are committed to supporting communities affected by crises. Given our strong experience in the Pacific region, including Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea, we are actively seeking ways to collaborate with local partners in Vanuatu to provide essential aid and support.

About the Australian Humanitarian Partnership

The Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) is a ten-year (2017-2027) partnership between the Australian Government and Australian NGOs. Through the AHP, partners aim to save lives and alleviate suffering by supporting partner countries, local organisations and communities to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and other humanitarian crises.

In the AHP, Plan International Australia is partnering with ActionAid Australia, ChildFund Australia, International Medical Corps UK, CBM Australia and Australian Volunteers International. Within the AHP Disaster READY program, Plan International is implementing preparedness activities regionally, in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.