Rebuilding Lives: Vanuatu Earthquake Recovery

Following the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on 17 December 2024, the Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS), with support from the IFRC and partners, continues to support affected communities as they transition from emergency relief to recovery and resilience-building.

To date, over 35,000 people across Shefa, Sanma, and Malampa provinces have received assistance through shelter support, cash assistance, livelihoods recovery, health and psychosocial services, water and sanitation, education, and disaster risk reduction activities.

Key achievements during this reporting period include:

• Shelter recovery support reaching more than 20,800 people, including cash-for-shelter assistance and technical guidance to help families rebuild safer homes.
• Multi-purpose cash assistance provided to 1,246 households, enabling families to meet urgent needs such as food, rent, shelter repairs, and health expenses.
• Livelihoods recovery support for 99 earthquake-affected micro-entrepreneurs, helping small businesses restart and restore household income.
• Health, hygiene, and psychosocial support reaching over 7,600 people, including psychological first aid, nutrition screening, and community health outreach.
• Improved access to safe water and sanitation for more than 38,000 people through water distributions, installation of water tanks, and rehabilitation of sanitation facilities in communities and schools.
• Education, protection, and disaster preparedness activities supporting children, youth, and vulnerable groups to return safely to school and strengthen readiness for future disasters.

While many families have returned home, recovery remains ongoing. Some households continue to face challenges related to damaged housing, limited income opportunities, and rising costs of materials. VRCS is addressing these needs through continued monitoring, community engagement, and coordination with government and humanitarian partners.

Thanks to the generosity of GlobalGiving donors, families affected by the earthquake are rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope. Your continued support helps ensure that communities not only recover, but are better prepared for future disasters.

Thank you for standing with the people of Vanuatu.

Links:

• Operation Update #4 Vanuatu | Earthquake (MDRVU012)