Australia has pledged an additional 10 million Australian dollars (USD 6.1 million) to assist Vanuatu's recovery from the devastating earthquake that struck in December, bringing its total humanitarian support to AUD 17 million (USD 10.4 million).
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Minister for International Development Pat Conroy announced on Saturday that the new package would focus on restoring vital services, including education, health, and transport infrastructure. The aid will be channeled through local systems and partner organizations to maximize impact.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 116,000 people were directly affected by the 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which struck near Port Vila on December 17. The disaster caused severe shaking and left at least 14 dead, hundreds injured, and widespread damage.
The initial response also included a USD 5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Disaster Resilience Program, aimed at enhancing Vanuatu's disaster management capabilities.
Australia’s increased support reflects its ongoing commitment to the Pacific region, where frequent seismic activity poses significant risks. Past major earthquakes in 2009 and 2021 caused substantial damage and triggered tsunami alerts.
Authorities continue to assess long-term recovery needs, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding resilient infrastructure to withstand future natural disasters.
