IsraAID, Israel’s leading humanitarian NGO, is launching an emergency response following a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Tuesday. The earthquake hit near the capital of Port Vila, destroying buildings and infrastructure in the island nation, home to some 330,000 people. Building on its longstanding mission in the country and strong ties with communities and government agencies, IsraAID is mobilizing immediately to provide urgent relief.
Based out of its long-term mission in the country and experienced national staff, IsraAID’s emergency response team brings a deep familiarity with the terrain and the local communities. The team will assess humanitarian needs, distribute urgently needed aid items, provide emergency mental health support, and aim to support urgent recovery of community water and sanitation infrastructure. IsraAID’s focus on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene and psychosocial needs, reflects the NGO’s deep in-country expertise. The organization has strong ties with local communities, government authorities, and humanitarian partners, and will work in close collaboration with all relevant actors to provide immediate aid to affected communities.
The epicenter of the magnitude 7.3 quake struck some 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) off the coast of Efate, Vanuatu’s largest island and home to its capital. Severe damage was noted in the immediate aftermath, including damage to foreign embassies in the capital. On Tuesday morning, one death had been reported with damage assessments ongoing and much communications infrastructure out of service. The Pacific nation is composed of some 80 islands and is among the world’s most disaster-vulnerable countries, with accelerating climate change increasing those threats.
IsraAID began working in Vanuatu after Category 5 Cyclone Pam displaced a quarter of the country’s population in 2015. Since then, IsraAID’s long term humanitarian mission has focused on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, nutrition, and mental health needs, alongside prevention of Gender-Based Violence, building community resilience in the face of ongoing climate disasters. In 2024, IsraAID established a strategic office in Australia, reflecting the organization’s commitment and deepening ties in the Pacific region.
IsraAID Vanuatu Country Director Gayle Deighton, said:
“IsraAID Vanuatu’s local team is mobilizing immediately to support the urgent needs of communities affected by this powerful earthquake. IsraAID has been working in Vanuatu for over nine years, and our continued commitment means responding to new emergencies as they arise. Unfortunately, Vanuatu is no stranger to climate disasters and other natural phenomena, but the resilience of this nation and these communities is incredible. Together with relevant government agencies and humanitarian partners, we’re prepared to respond quickly, equip communities as they respond, provide essential services , recover, and rebuild for as long as we’re needed.”
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Further information is available on request, including interviews with IsraAID Vanuatu Country Director Gayle Deighton and other individuals involved in this operation.
CONTACT:
Shachar May
Email: [email protected]
Phone/Whatsapp: +972586664969
