Media Release
Update from New Zealand Red Cross on the Vanuatu earthquake
18 December 2024
New Zealand Red Cross is on standby to support Vanuatu Red Cross and the people of Vanuatu after the earthquake.
"In the event of a disaster, the Red Cross response is led by the local National Society and we will look to provide assistance when requested," says New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General Sarah Stuart-Black.
"As humanitarians, like many other New Zealanders, the desire to rush in to help is strong, but it’s important that we take a breath and pause until we understand what is most needed.
"In events like an earthquake, we would expect that reconnecting people and families, providing temporary shelter, and ensuring the effective distribution of food and water will be the initial primary needs of those affected. We understand that Vanuatu Red Cross leads the shelter response with the Vanuatu Government and support from the International Federation of the Red Cross.”
Red Cross experts may be flown in, when possible, to help with the co-ordination of the response and recovery efforts, distribution of supplies, or supporting with getting vital communications up and running again.
Earlier this year we placed a Starlink in Port Villa so it can be used by Vanuatu Red Cross to communicate in times of emergency and we activated that for them shortly after the quake yesterday. We understand that communications are still challenging, however.
We are liaising with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Pacific Regional Office who provide a coordination function for the wider Red Cross work in the Pacific. They will be providing further updates over the coming days.
Vanuatu Red Cross has a team of 42 staff and 422 volunteers. Their offices were damaged by the earthquake but they have a well-trained team and they are actively responding to the need of impacted communities.
New Zealand Red Cross has a close working relationship with Vanuatu Red Cross and have sent four members of our International Delegate team there earlier this year following the three cyclones which devastated the island.
In particular, we sent technical IT and communications support during the recovery efforts.
Along with other Red Cross National Societies, we also contributed to restocking their emergency relief supplies so they could be ready for use in situations such as the disaster yesterday.
These supplies include shelter tool kits, tarpaulins, jerry cans and solar lanterns. There is enough stock on hand to initially respond to 4,000 households.
Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu who have been so badly affected by the previous cyclones and now facing the significant impact of this earthquake.
Related information:
- New Zealand Red Cross launches Vanuatu Earthquakes Appeal
- Vanuatu Earthquakes Appeal
- redcross.org.nz/vanuatu-quakes
Statement attributed to:
Sarah Stuart-Black
Secretary-General, New Zealand Red Cross
For more information, please call or email:
Lead photo: Vanuatu Red Cross earthquake coordination team.