Vanuatu Hit by Earthquake as ADRA Prepares Relief Efforts

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vanuatu is responding to the aftermath of a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that shook Port Vila on December 17, with several tremors of up to 5.5 magnitude before and after the main quake. While 14 deaths and multiple injuries have been reported, all Adventist staff and their families are safe.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Vanuatu, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), is assessing the situation to determine the impact on communities and how best to provide support. “Our team is safe, and we are actively gathering information to understand the needs and plan our response,” an ADRA Australia spokesperson shared.

The church’s South Pacific Division (SPD) and Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) are closely monitoring the situation and providing support. On December 18, SPD representatives connected with ADRA Vanuatu to ensure resources and assistance are ready as the extent of the damage becomes clearer.

TPUM president Maveni Kaufononga encouraged prayers and solidarity. “My heart goes out to the people of Vanuatu during this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, and we are calling on our members to pray, asking for strength, comfort and resilience for the people of Vanuatu. We stand in solidarity with them, and we will continue to support in any way we can.”

ADRA Australia has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to support immediate response efforts. 

A December 18 Update

New details have been provided about the impact of the earthquake on the Adventist Church in Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Mission office in Port Vila sustained minor cracks and the interior was left in disarray, with fallen cabinets and shelves. Engineers have yet to provide a detailed inspection, and the office will remain closed until further notice.

“All ADRA and office staff are safe, though some family members have sustained minor injuries,” the local team confirmed. However, the town and surrounding residential areas suffered significant damage, with numerous buildings collapsed and casualties reported. The exact number of deaths is yet to be confirmed.

The country of Vanuatu is grappling with widespread disruption, with power, water, and internet access remaining unavailable and emergency communications relying on the National Disaster Management Office’s (NDMO) STARLINK system. Also, shops and banks are closed indefinitely due to structural damage. The government has declared a state of emergency for seven days.

SPD president Glenn Townend expressed gratitude for the safety of staff and their families, while mourning the broader loss of life and destruction: “We thank God for His protection during this severe earthquake in Port Vila and surrounds. However, we are saddened by the death and destruction caused and pray that God will be able to use His people and others to make sure the basics of life are cared for. People from all over SPD will pray for Vanuatu and the recovery efforts. I am glad ADRA is there to support.”

The Adventist Church continues to work closely with ADRA Vanuatu and the NDMO to assess community needs and coordinate relief efforts.

The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record.