Caritas Australia has launched an appeal for Vanuatu following two earthquakes in 24 hours that killed at least 14 people and affected 116,000 people.
Hundreds of people are injured or trapped following the collapse of buildings in Port Vila resulting from successive 7.4 and 6.1 magnitude earthquakes.
As rescue efforts continue, the death toll is expected to rise. The Port Vila hospital has been overwhelmed, having also sustained damage resulting in the closure of operating theatres.
Two major water reserves that supply Port Vila have also been destroyed, with assessment into water supplies ongoing. Major damage to infrastructure has been sustained, impacting communications, airport runways, bridges including the Tagabe, Teouma and Black Sand bridges, and the main port.
As part of the Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations, Caritas Australia will be supporting on the ground through its partners.
These partners are assessing the situation, and are ready to respond to the humanitarian requirements, which are likely to include emergency shelter, food, and other essentials, as well as psychosocial support.
Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Manager at Caritas Australia, said, “Vanuatu, and particularly Port Vila, has been devastated. People are now trying to recover and perform rescues with damage to infrastructure such as bridges, telecommunications, water supplies, and the local hospital.
“Many are fearing further disaster as Vanuatu is one of the most susceptible countries to natural disasters such as earthquakes, storm damage, flooding, and tsunamis.
“As we embrace the festivities we must remember that our brothers and sisters in Vanuatu need our compassion and support as they recover.”
To support Caritas Australia’s Vanuatu Earthquake Appeal, visit http://www.caritas.org.au/vanuatu.
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Caritas Australia launches a Vanuatu earthquake appeal (Caritas Australia)
