40,000 Children need Humanitarian Assistance in Vanuatu

An estimated 40,000 children are in need of humanitarian assistance after a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu on 17th December, followed by several major aftershocks. According to authorities, 14 deaths have so far been reported, with over 200 injured.

UNICEF has already dispatched community first aid kits, Interagency Emergency Health Kits and tents to support continuity of essential health services. UNICEF is also providing safe water to healthcare facilities. Many buildings, including hospitals, have sustained damages.

With landslides across the island, key roads and bridges connecting the airport and the main seaport are also reported to be severely damaged. Additionally, telecommunication networks in most areas are either down or intermittent.