Children are too scared to return to their homes seven days after devastating earthquakes hit the Pacific nation of Vanuatu, making for a very different Christmas this year, Save the Children said.
PORT VILA, 24 December 2024 – Children are too scared to return to their homes seven days after devastating earthquakes hit the Pacific nation of Vanuatu, making for a very different Christmas this year, Save the Children said.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, last week triggering landslides and causing major damage to buildings and infrastructure. Less than 24 hours later, a second, 5.5 magnitude earthquake rocked the island.
About 2,806 people* will spend the holidays across six evacuation sites having fled their destroyed or damaged homes, highlighting the need for mental health assistance alongside urgent humanitarian priorities.
Children have told Save the Children that they’re too scared to go back into their homes, preferring tents to their damaged houses, even in the heavy rains currently hitting the area. Their anxiety has been compounded by the frequent tremors and aftershocks.
Merelyn* was in her house sewing to earn some extra money before Christmas and her 10-year-old son, Peter*, and his baby brother were playing in a different part of the house when the earthquake struck.
She remembers the terrifying moment the quake tore their family home apart, separating her from her son as he held his 9-month-old baby brother.
Merelyn said:
“I was looking across the divided house and ground, towards my son carrying the baby, waiting for the moment where either them or myself will be thrown down by the shake.”
Peter* said:
“When the ground started to shake, I was really scared and didn’t know what to do. I held strong to my baby brother and waited for the moment to come where we both are going to die.”
At least 14 people have been confirmed dead by the Vanuatu government and more than 210 injured, but as recovery and relief efforts continue, those numbers are expected to rise.
Research shows the importance of early intervention after disasters to help children’s mental health. Save the Children is ready to help deliver psychological first aid, and to help life approach normality for children as safe housing returns and schools are rebuilt.
Lavinia Mahit-Wasinabani, Save the Children Vanuatu acting Country Director, said:
“Tomorrow many people around the world are celebrating Christmas, but I know for us here in Vanuatu, the feeling is one of deep sadness, along with a sense of gratitude. So many of our families are struggling with trauma, even as try to help each other.
“We know how traumatic this past week has been not only to the communities in Port Vila and across the impacted areas of Shefa Province, but even for our own staff, who are still picking up the pieces of their own lives.”
Save the Children, along with partners, has set up a child-friendly space for children to recover from their ordeal, including children with special needs, so children are able to process the events of the last week in a safe and welcoming space. The organisation has also been assisting families by supporting the distribution of relief to families in evacuation centres, including hygiene kits and basic household items.
Save the Children, along with partners, has set up a child-friendly space for children to recover from their ordeal, including children with special needs, so children are able to process the events of the last week in a safe and welcoming space. The organisation has also been assisting families by supporting the distribution of relief to families in evacuation centres, including hygiene kits and basic household items.
Save the Children has a long history of responding to emergencies in the Pacific and Vanuatu and is currently supporting the Vanuatu Government to assess the earthquake’s impact.
Through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership’s Disaster READY Program, funded by the Australian Government, Save the Children is also working with communities across Vanuatu to develop disaster preparedness plans and conduct drills to prepare for emergencies.
NOTES
*Names changed to protect anonymity.
*Estimates are likely to rise as authorities and rescue teams reach isolated families.
For interview requests please contact:
Save the Children Australia: media.team@savethechildren.org.au
Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Global Media Manager, Asia: Amy.Lefevre@savethechildren.org
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