UN surge teams mobilise as Vanuatu hit by second earthquake 2024-12-22 12:00
Port Vila, Vanuatu – The United Nations is sending surge teams to Vanuatu to help the Pacific island nation recover from a second major earthquake in less than a week.
The 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu’s main island, Efate, at 11:45 pm local time on Tuesday. It follows a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit the same area on Friday.
There have been no reports of deaths or injuries from Tuesday’s earthquake, but it has caused widespread damage. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) said that at least 1,000 homes have been destroyed and many others have been damaged.
The NDMO said that the most affected areas are the villages of Tagabe and Buninga on Efate, and the island of Tanna.
The UN surge teams are expected to arrive in Vanuatu on Wednesday. They will be led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and will include experts in disaster response, shelter, health, and water and sanitation.
The teams will work with the Vanuatu government and other partners to assess the damage and needs, and to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The Vanuatu government has declared a state of emergency and has appealed for international assistance.
The New Zealand government has already announced that it will provide NZ$2 million in aid to Vanuatu. The Australian government has also said that it is ready to provide assistance.
The UN is urging the international community to provide generous support to Vanuatu in its time of need.
Background:
Vanuatu is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active area. Earthquakes are common in Vanuatu, but the two recent earthquakes are the strongest to hit the country in decades.
The 7.0-magnitude earthquake on Friday caused widespread damage and killed at least three people. The earthquake also triggered a tsunami that caused flooding in coastal areas.
The Vanuatu government is working to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquakes. However, the country is facing significant challenges due to the lack of infrastructure and resources.
UN surge teams mobilise as Vanuatu hit by second earthquake
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