UN Surge Teams Mobilize as Vanuatu Hit by Second Earthquake
December 22, 2024
Port Vila, Vanuatu – The United Nations has deployed surge teams to Vanuatu following a second major earthquake that struck the Pacific island nation on Thursday night.
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Ambae Island at around 10:00 pm local time, triggering a tsunami warning for Vanuatu and nearby islands. The warning was later lifted, but there have been reports of damage and casualties.
The Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department has reported that the earthquake caused significant shaking on Ambae, Pentecost, and Maewo islands, with landslides and building collapses occurring in some areas.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that its surge teams are working with local authorities to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact of this earthquake on the people of Vanuatu,” said Ola Almgren, OCHA’s Head of Office in Vanuatu. “Our surge teams are already on the ground, conducting assessments and providing immediate assistance.”
The UN teams include experts in disaster response, health, logistics, and water and sanitation. They are working to provide emergency shelter, food, water, and medical assistance to those in need.
The Vanuatu government has declared a state of emergency and has appealed for international assistance.
Australia and New Zealand have already pledged support, and other countries and organizations are expected to follow suit.
The Vanuatu Red Cross is also responding to the earthquake, with volunteers providing first aid, distributing essential supplies, and supporting evacuation efforts.
The earthquake is the second major disaster to hit Vanuatu in less than a month. On November 28, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the island of Tanna, killing at least one person and destroying hundreds of homes.
Vanuatu is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone, and is frequently hit by earthquakes. The country is also vulnerable to cyclones and other natural disasters.
How to Help
There are a number of ways to help the people of Vanuatu after this earthquake:
- Donate to reputable aid organizations such as the Vanuatu Red Cross or Oxfam.
- Contact your local government officials to express your support for assistance to Vanuatu.
- Spread awareness of the earthquake and the need for help on social media and other platforms.
The people of Vanuatu need our support now more than ever.
UN surge teams mobilise as Vanuatu hit by second earthquake
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