The quake has claimed the lives of 14 people and injured more than 200 others. Buildings crumbled, families were displaced, and essential infrastructure was severely damaged.

Two large water reservoirs were completely destroyed, affecting the capital’s water supply. The lack of clean water has become a critical issue, increasing the risk of disease in an already dire situation.

Landslides triggered by aftershocks worsened the damage.

Education has also been hit, with 110 classrooms across 45 schools partially or completely damaged.

The Vanuatu Trade Union Movement is working closely with its members, many of whom are first responders and health workers, to provide them with essential supplies so they can continue supporting the community.

Vanuatu is highly susceptible to natural disasters due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire and its exposure to tropical cyclones. It sits on the converging boundary of tectonic plates, which makes it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on islands.

Cyclones can bring extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that cause extensive damage to infrastructure, crops, and homes.

The country’s geographic features further exacerbate its vulnerability. Many of the islands are small, low-lying, and densely populated, with limited resources to withstand disasters. The islands’ coastal areas, where most of the population resides, are particularly exposed to the risks of flooding and storm surges. The lack of robust infrastructure, combined with limited access to emergency services and resources, means that the effects of natural disasters are often devastating and difficult to mitigate.

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Vanuatu. Rising sea levels, caused by global warming, threaten the low-lying islands with more frequent and severe coastal flooding. Warmer sea temperatures are also expected to fuel more intense tropical cyclones, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall and greater storm surges.

In addition to tropical storms and sea-level rise, Vanuatu faces heightened risks from other climate-related impacts, such as droughts and shifting rainfall patterns, which can affect food security and access to fresh water.

Readers can go to www.apheda.org.au to support the appeal and find out more about Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA.

As the global justice organisation of the Australian union movement, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA works to support stronger union and social movements in 13 locations in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Southern Africa.