Vanuatu’s Resilient Spirit: Navigating the Path to Recovery Post-Earthquake

When a 7.3 magnitude seismic event hit Vanuatu on 17 December, approximately 80,000 individuals found themselves struggling with its catastrophic consequences.

Residences were annihilated, routes obstructed, and critical infrastructure impaired across Efate Island, including the capital city, Port Vila. Nearly a month later, over 700 individuals who were displaced from their homes continue to seek refuge in three evacuation centers and 45 host households.

Vanuatu Red Cross responded promptly by offering emergency assistance and temporary shelters, but the demand was considerable and the local team needed backing. The Vanuatu Earthquakes Appeal was launched the very next day, on 18 December. Thanks to the generous contributions from donors, we were able to respond swiftly and bolster emergency relief operations which encompassed temporary housing, food, clean water, healthcare services, protection, psychological support, and the restoration of communication networks.

Importance of Connectivity

Humanitarian efforts cannot proceed without coordination, and effective coordination during emergencies relies on sound technology and accessibility. The generous donations received for our appeal and logistical assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) permitted us to deploy two of our Information Technology and Telecommunications Emergency Response Unit (IT&T ERU) experts – John Moriarty and Chris Harrison – to Vanuatu. They introduced life-saving knowledge to a complex and swiftly changing scenario, ensuring that Vanuatu Red Cross’ essential IT systems and communication remained functional at crucial times.

Our enduring partnership with Vanuatu Red Cross implied that when the earthquake struck, essential equipment was already available. In June 2024, New Zealand Red Cross IT&T ERU had successfully upgraded the IT systems of Vanuatu Red Cross to enhance resilience in both information management and internet connectivity. This enhancement revolved around a distinctive system named IT-in-a-Box, an inventive mobile IT solution crafted for Pacific conditions.

The IT-in-a-Box system guarantees smooth operation of computer applications and online communications in normal conditions. It is also specifically designed to aid Red Cross National Societies during disaster response scenarios and can be relocated as necessary in emergencies.

When the seismic event occurred, a local Red Cross IT officer swiftly relocated the operational IT-in-a-Box from the national office building. This decisive action was vital to ensure that the system remained unharmed in the event of a building collapse. Concurrently, New Zealand Red Cross remotely activated the Starlink satellite dish to provide an internet connection, as the local fibre network was non-functional. This enabled Vanuatu Red Cross to communicate and coordinate their response following the earthquake.

Assistance in Port Vila

John and Chris arrived in Port Vila four days post-earthquake on a New Zealand Defence Force relief flight organized by MFAT. They quickly began work in support of the local Red Cross’ IT systems, communications, and power generation.

They set forth with four objectives: to resolve any connectivity issues, examine and repair satellite connections, ensure that radios and satellite phones were functional, and offer technical assistance as required by Vanuatu Red Cross response teams.

Their effect was immediate. “We worked exceptionally well with local civil engineers. With their expertise, we pinpointed the safest working area and identified where the IT-in-a-Box could be securely positioned in the Vanuatu Red Cross national office. We acquired valuable lessons along the way, including security settings for connecting to the IT-in-a-Box, and we were able to provide beneficial health and safety training to local personnel on power generator usage. We were exceedingly satisfied with the IT-in-a-Box’s capability to endure the earthquake’s impacts,” states John Moriarty, Team Lead of New Zealand Red Cross IT&T ERU.

John and Chris also offered assistance in creating a streamlined process for registering and connecting other Red Cross international delegates arriving to aid Vanuatu, facilitating their swift integration into relief operations.

Reflecting on the experience, John noted: “The warmth, dedication, and commitment of Vanuatu Red Cross staff to humanitarian service was truly inspiring. Secretary-General Dickinson Tevi’s support and the collaborative spirit of the team transformed this deployment into not just a technical assignment, but a meaningful human experience of reciprocal support and resilience. Collaborating with my outstanding colleague Chris Harrison, we felt privileged to represent New Zealand Red Cross and assist our Pacific neighbors in Vanuatu. It was genuinely fulfilling to apply our technical skills in direct support of humanitarian initiatives in the aftermath of this crisis.”

Transition from Emergency to Recovery

As Vanuatu shifts from emergency mode to recovery, the work is far from complete. The recovery journey will require several months, and your support is vital.

Currently, Vanuatu Red Cross is actively gathering and evaluating critical shelter and health information to ensure recovery actions yield optimal results. To support the local team with this endeavor, we have also deployed a monitoring and evaluation specialist delegate to Vanuatu for a month. Clare Shave will assist the local team as they establish best practices for monitoring activities, as well as gathering, analyzing, and managing data for evaluating the impact of recovery initiatives.

The path to recovery is lengthy, but with your support, we can stand beside the people of Vanuatu. Contributions from generous individuals in New Zealand do not merely fund technical solutions; they empower communities, restore hope, and effect a genuine change in the lives of those affected by this catastrophe.

Additional Information

If you wish to contribute to our Vanuatu Earthquakes Appeal, please visit:

Vanuatu Earthquakes Appeal

Discover more about the work of our international delegates and our recruitment process:

International Delegate Programme

Learn more about our efforts in the Pacific region:

Our work in the Pacific

Lead image: International Delegate John Moriarty working in Vanuatu.