One week after a devastating earthquake rocked Vanuatu, aid organizations are racing to address the increasing needs of an estimated 80,000 affected residents, many of whom remain displaced and vulnerable.
A 7.3-magnitude quake struck the Pacific island nation on Dec 17, claiming at least 14 lives, injuring over 200 people, and causing widespread damage, including flattened homes and destroyed vehicles. Adding to the devastation, a 6.1-magnitude quake struck again in the early hours of Sunday.
Relief efforts in Vanuatu are underway as aid organizations grapple with the overwhelming needs of earthquake victims. The deadly earthquake forced scores of families to abandon their homes, with many now sleeping in tents or makeshift shelters.
The Vanuatu Red Cross Society, accustomed to responding to natural disasters in the region, said the scale of this catastrophe is unprecedented.
"We've had earthquakes, but we've never had so many casualties before," said Dickinson Tevi, secretary general of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society.
While the official death toll stands at more than a dozen, authorities fear the number will rise as recovery workers gain access to areas blocked by landslides triggered by the quake.
In the capital city of Port Vila, the Red Cross headquarters has become a central hub for distributing international aid. Supplies like hygiene kits, kitchen sets, tarpaulins, and water containers are being sorted and sent out to those in need.
One of the recipients of this aid is Robsen Basin, whose home was severely damaged during the earthquake. Although the structure is still standing, it is unsafe to live in.
"The first thing I noticed was the roof. I came inside the house, and I noticed all the bricks, the walls were broken," Basin recounted.
Although his family escaped injury, they have been living in a makeshift shelter in their front yard for the past week.
"Our concern is that it is too open. We don't know what kind of people are walking around," Basin added.
For families like Basin's, the aid provided by the Red Cross offers some relief, but rebuilding will take time. Basin noted that repairs will have to wait until the local hardware store reopens.
According to the Red Cross, many victims across Port Vila are in similar situations, either sleeping in tents or out in the open.
"We know some of them are just sleeping out in the open in tents or tarpaulins. During the daytime, they go to their homes, but at nighttime they don't feel safe to be sleeping at their homes," said Tevi.
Beyond physical needs, aid workers are also concerned about the emotional toll the disaster has taken on survivors. Many face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives after losing so much.
As Vanuatu continues to recover, international aid will play a crucial role in helping the country heal from one of the most devastating earthquakes in its history.
Aid efforts struggle to meet growing needs in Vanuatu after deadly earthquake
