The Government of Vanuatu has declared a seven-day state of emergency following the powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila and surrounding areas on 17 December 2024.
The earthquake, which was followed by multiple aftershocks, has caused widespread infrastructure damage, including landslides and disruptions to essential services such as telecommunications and transport.
Widespread damage and disruption
The epicentre of the earthquake was located approximately 19 miles from Port Vila, hitting at 12:47 p.m. local time. Several significant aftershocks, including magnitudes of 5.5, 5.4, and 5.1, have been recorded, exacerbating the devastation. Landslides near Port Vila’s international shipping terminal have buried sections of the wharf, isolating the area and severely impacting the region’s operational capacity.
Transport services, including flights, have been affected. Travellers are advised to contact their airlines for updates, monitor local media, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Cruise calls disrupted amid economic concerns
The earthquake’s impact on Vanuatu’s vital tourism sector is becoming increasingly evident, with several cruise lines cancelling or reassessing upcoming port calls.
- Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, which was in the area during the quake, has cancelled its scheduled visit to Port Vila and opted to return to Mystery Island. Passengers on board reported feeling light tremors, but no injuries were reported.
- P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure have calls scheduled for December 21 and 22, respectively.
- Luxury operators Silversea and Cunard also have ships slated to arrive later this month, with Cunard stating they are “actively evaluating the situation” and prioritising passenger safety.
With each cruise ship contributing an average of AU$260,000 to Vanuatu’s economy and each passenger spending around AU$125, the suspension or alteration of itineraries poses a significant economic challenge for the country.
Emergency response and recovery efforts
In response to the disaster, caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency for Port Vila, including a curfew in the hardest-hit areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the next seven days. The World Health Organization is working with Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health and Vila Central Hospital to support health response efforts as the death toll rises to at least 14 fatalities and over 200 injuries.
Australians in Vanuatu are urged to:
- Register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal to stay updated.
- Contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (in Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (outside Australia) for emergency consular assistance.
Recovery timeline uncertain
As recovery efforts focus on restoring critical infrastructure, the timeline for repairs remains uncertain. Cruise lines are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely and adjust itineraries as necessary to ensure passenger safety while supporting Vanuatu’s recovery.
