Vanuatu Urges Port Vila Residents to Evacuate as Heavy Rain and Landslides Loom

Authorities in Vanuatu have issued urgent warnings to residents of Port Vila, advising those living in landslide-prone areas to take precautions as heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate the risks following last week’s devastating earthquake. The 7.3 magnitude quake has already resulted in significant landslides, and with continued aftershocks—most recently a 6.1 magnitude quake recorded by the US Geological Survey—residents are being urged to evacuate low-lying areas and those near rivers should water levels rise. Ken Cooper, leader of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, emphasized the elevated danger posed by the imminent weather system. “With the weather system that's coming in, there is a high likelihood that the landslides continue and we need to ensure that there's no life risks if those landslides should move further,” he stated, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to safeguard lives. The situation remains dire as the official death toll from the initial quake has risen to 12, a statistic confirmed by the Vanuatu Disaster Management office and Vila Central Hospital. This figure, previously reported as high as 16, underscores the scale of tragedy that has unfolded in the region. In response to the crisis, New Zealand and Vanuatu engineers are actively assessing the structural integrity of key infrastructure in the capital. Cooper reported that nearly 1,000 damage assessments have been completed in collaboration with the Australian USAR team, a significant undertaking that has allowed for rapid evaluation of the most pressing needs. Cooper noted that through these assessments, authorities are able to prioritize critical infrastructure such as bridges, the airport, and the port, as well as address the urgent issue of landslide risks. The cooperation between the teams has expedited the process, enabling them to share resources and best practices in a concerted effort to aid recovery. Emma Dunlop-Bennett, the deployment lead for New Zealand in Vanuatu, commended the resilience of the Ni-Vanuatu people in the aftermath of the earthquake. “As we go out into communities, working ... with the government, people are out there, getting up and doing what they can to get themselves into business as usual, life as usual. I am really in awe and humbled,” she remarked, reflecting on the strength and determination of the local population. The New Zealand team is focused on delivering urgent humanitarian assistance, providing consular support to New Zealand citizens, and facilitating a smooth transition from immediate relief efforts to long-term recovery in coordination with the Vanuatu government. Dunlop-Bennett underscored the mission's multifaceted approach, which aims to address priority needs identified by local authorities and help restore normalcy in the affected communities. As Port Vila prepares for potential further natural disasters, the combination of community resilience and international support remains critical to navigating the ongoing challenges posed by the recent earthquake and its aftermath.