UNICEF Vanuatu Earthquake Appeal

A deadly 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck Vanuatu, leaving approximately 80,000 people in urgent need of emergency supplies and services.

On December 17th, Vanuatu was rocked by a powerful 7.3 earthquake and several major aftershocks. The quake collapsed buildings, destroyed critical infrastructure and caused landslides. An estimated 80,000 people have been affected (including 40,000 children), with more than 200 people injured and at least 14 fatalities, however this number may rise as more information trickles out of the country.

“The immediate priority is to reach children and families with the life-saving support they need. UNICEF is on the ground, working with government, civil society organizations and other development partners to support the response efforts,” says UNICEF Pacific’s Chief of Vanuatu Field Office, Eric Durpaire.

We've dispatched health and first aid kits to healthcare facilities. We also have WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), Child Protection, Health ECD, Nutrition, Education kits and supplies, including first aid kits and tents prepositioned in Vanuatu and ready for immediate distribution to reach at least 3,000 people.

As the emergency needs become clearer, more supplies and support will be provided. However, we will need additional funds to continue our response in the days and weeks ahead, to help children and families recover from this traumatic disaster.