Stories
By:
  • Roneel Lal | Senior Communications and Media Assistant at IOM Fiji

The streets of Port Vila, once alive with the vibrant sounds of the bustling market and the cheerful chatter of locals and tourists, are now eerily quiet. The heart of Vanuatu’s capital carries a sombre mood, scarred by the devastation of the recent earthquake.  

On 17 December 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu, followed by several powerful aftershocks, including a 6.1 tremor days later. The earthquake has claimed 14 lives, displaced more than 2,300 people, and affected over 80,000 individuals. The epicentre of this devastation is Port Vila, where families have been uprooted, livelihoods lost, and buildings reduced to rubble. 

For Yvette Camille, the manager of the Wan Smol Bag Evacuation Centre, the memory of that day is still vivid. 

“We thought it was the end of the world,” she recalled, her voice trembling. “The earth shook for almost 20 seconds. We hung on to the entrance door as we watched everything fall apart, it was like a movie in slow motion. I tried to block out the screams and the sounds of buildings collapsing. The water tanks burst, and people got hurt. It was terrifying. Now, even a loud noise makes us run for cover. The trauma hasn’t left us.” 

Yvette Camille, Manager of Wan Smol Bag Evacuation Centre (second from left), with IOM staff at the evacuation centre. Photo: IOM Fiji

Vanuatu is no stranger to nature’s fury. Cyclones, floods and volcanic eruptions have repeatedly tested the resilience of its people. However, this earthquake, followed by several aftershocks, was unlike anything they had ever faced. Families have abandoned their homes, not because they are uninhabitable, but because the fear of being indoors is paralysing. 

The IOM Vanuatu team, supported by surge-deployed staff, has been on the ground since day one, collaborating with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and local authorities to provide immediate relief and long-term support. Their mission is to help the people of Vanuatu find their feet again. 

Food ration and water distribution to the community in Pango, Port Vila. Photo: IOM Fiji

In partnership with local authorities, IOM has conducted critical community assessments to identify displaced individuals and evaluate potential evacuation centres to host affected families who have lost their homes during the earthquake. For Catherine Sorao, a mother expecting a child in the coming months, this support has been lifesaving. 

“I had to stay strong for my children and elders,” Catherine shared. “When the ground wouldn’t stop shaking, we moved to higher ground near the river and spent the night there. The next day, we returned to find cracks in our home’s foundation. Now, we’re living in makeshift shelters. It’s not just the homes that need rebuilding; it’s our spirits, too.”

Catherine Sorao, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Photo: IOM Fiji

Amidst the devastation, Catherine has taken on the responsibility of caring for seven vulnerable community members, providing them with food, water and shelter.  

“The children are scared, but I try to reassure them. Every morning, I tell them to go out and play, hoping it will ease their fears,” she said. 

IOM has been instrumental in coordinating the response. As co-lead of the Displacement and Evacuation Centre Management Cluster, IOM has worked tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind. Through its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), the organization has monitored the movements of displaced populations and guided the distribution of food, water and shelter supplies. IOM Vanuatu is coordinating the deployment of relief supplies to evacuees being hosted by communities and families.

IOM Vanuatu team conducting field assessments and collecting data on temporarily displaced persons. Photo: IOM Fiji

For Yvette, Catherine and thousands of others, IOM’s presence is a source of comfort and hope. “They listen, they care and they act,” said Yvette. “Our children need help to heal from this trauma, and IOM is here to ensure we are not forgotten.” 

The road to recovery is long. Key infrastructure remains damaged, and daily curfews are in place. Communication services are intermittent. Access to critical areas remains restricted. Displaced families urgently need clean water, food, shelter, and medical care. 

Adding to the challenges is the looming threat of severe weather. A low-pressure developing off the coast could bring heavy rainfall or cyclone conditions, further complicating relief efforts. 

The empty city of Port Vila. Photo: IOM Fiji

Despite these hurdles, IOM Vanuatu remains steadfast in its mission. The team’s dedication is evident in every step, including their advocacy for psychological support to help traumatized communities. 

Through the dust and despair, the people of Vanuatu find strength in each other. They are supporting one another to rebuild their lives. 

“We thought it was the end, but we are still here. We are still standing. With IOM by our side, we will overcome this.” said Yvette.

IOM Staff members Lepani Vunituraga (right) and Junior Albert Karlosaruru (left). Photo: IOM Fiji

Together with local authorities and communities, IOM is restoring hope. Vanuatu’s story is one of resilience, and with unwavering support, its people are proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, they will rise again. 

This story was written by Roneel Lal, Senior Communications and Media Assistant at IOM Fiji, rlal@iom.int 

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