31/12/2024 UPDATE: High rainfall, aftershocks and the threat of cyclones continue to challenge recovery efforts in Vanuatu. The UN reports that 2,435 people remain displaced from their homes. Key immediate needs include healthcare support, emergency shelter, access to food and water, protection, psychological support and the restoration of communication networks.

Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) ship, MV Southern Cross has arrived in Luganville (Northern Vanuatu) and is being loaded with supplies to take to the worst affected island, Efate. It’s due to arrive at Port Vila on Efate Island on 3 Jan 2025.

In addition to supplies purchased with AID support, ACOM is receiving supplies from locals on Santo Island, many of whom have friends and family on Efate Island.

ACOM’s food relief will be handed over to Food Distribution ‘clusters’ (relief distribution networks) in Port Vila, who will distribute the relief to those affected by the earthquake. ACOM chose this implementation method because the Food Distribution clusters already have established networks on Efate Island through which to conduct distributions.

23/12/24   Earthquakes continue to rock Vanuatu, with the death toll rising to 16. The first earthquake was the strongest (magnitude 7.3), striking Vanuatu’s capital city, Port Vila, on 17 December. Further earthquakes have followed almost every day, including another strong earthquake (magnitude 6.1) on 22 December. Communities and government authorities are working to restore water supplies, electricity services, bridges and communications systems on the worst hit Island, Efate, while also treating the injured and searching for missing people.

ABM AID’s partner organisation, the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), has begun distributing food and water to affected families on Efate Island, as well as providing psycho-social support. ABM AID has already sent AUD $15,000 from our rapid response funds to support ACOM Vanuatu’s relief efforts.

There are also plans to send ACOM’s MV Southern Cross ship from Honiara to bring emergency relief supplies to earthquake affected areas in Vanuatu.

18/12/24  On 17 December a magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. This was followed by several aftershocks in and around the capital, one reaching magnitude 6.1.

Vanuatu Government sources put the initial death toll at 14, with hundreds more injured.

ABM AID has made contact with our partner, the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) in Vanuatu who told us the very sad news that the ACOM Assistant Priest for Tagabe Parish in Port Vila, Fr Crimson Lilip, died yesterday of a heart attack.

ACOM’s response will focus on the provision of clean drinking water and food for those affected. ACOM writes that the earthquake “has caused significant damage to infrastructure and disrupted essential services, including access to clean drinking water. The [Vanuatu] National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has identified the provision of safe drinking water as an immediate priority for the affected population.” ACOM is seeking funding for drinking water, containers, and transportation costs, as well as for providing food and psychosocial support to those affected.

$68 will buy a food relief pack for a family (ACOM is seeking to provide 100 packs)

$800 will fund a volunteer to provide psycho-social counselling as part of the response (10 volunteer counsellors will be deployed)

$32 will buy a carton of 1.5L bottles of water (ACOM is seeking to provide 200 cartons)

ACOM have asked for our prayers for all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.

We have opened an emergency appeal to contribute to ACOM’s Earthquake Response. Please consider giving to this appeal.

Prayer

Gracious and merciful God,
we ask you to look with compassion on the people of Vanuatu
as they deal with the aftermath of the recent earthquake.

Receive into your loving arms those who have died,
among them Crimson Lilip, Priest Assistant of the Church of the Resurrection,
Tagabe Parish in Port Vila.

Comfort and guide all who mourn,
that they may know you to be their unchanging rock
when the earth around them moves and shakes.

We pray for your Spirit to heal all those who have been injured,
whether in body or in mind, so that they may be returned to full health.

Help those whose property has been affected by the quake,
the aftershocks and the resulting landslides,
that buildings may be promptly repaired or replaced,
and that land may be quickly remediated.

Hear our prayers of thanks for all those who acted as rescuers,
those who found people in darkness,
and brought them back into the light.

We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord,
the rock of our salvation.

Amen.

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