Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, together with Australian unions, is calling on you to stand in solidarity with the people of Vanuatu. Your donations will support the Vanuatu Trade Union Movement’s relief efforts and medium-term initiatives, aiding union members and their communities.
What happened in Vanuatu?
On December 17, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. The impact was catastrophic, leaving the community in shock.
The quake has claimed the lives of 14 people and injured over 200 others. Buildings crumbled, families were displaced, and essential infrastructure was severely damaged. Two large water reservoirs, vital for Port Vila’s water supply, were completely destroyed, and landslides triggered by aftershocks worsened the damage.
The lack of clean water has become a critical issue, increasing the risk of disease in an already dire situation.
Rescue efforts are ongoing. Many volunteers are working tirelessly in the heat and dust, risking their health to save those trapped in collapsed buildings. The city’s main hospital, Vila Central Hospital, and health clinics in Shefa province were impacted by the earthquake, leaving structural damage and forcing patients to relocate to a temporary military camp during the first weeks of the emergency. Education has also been hit, with 110 classrooms across 45 schools partially or completely damaged.
As the dust settles, the true scale of the devastation is becoming clearer.
Share the Appeal – Solidarity Pack
Support the appeal by sharing it with your friends, family and coworkers at your workplace. Find resources below to keep building your solidarity with workers in Vanuatu:
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Vanuatu Earthquake Relief Appeal
Donate now to help union members and their families: https://vanuatu-earthquake-relief-appeal.raiselysite.com/