Bae Yumi Oraet? Vanuatu’s Journey from Earthquake to Recovery

January 29, 2025
a group of people in a garden

A building in central Port Vila being demolished following 17 December's 7.3 magnitude earthquake.

Photo: UNDP

The impact of 17 December’s 7.3 magnitude earthquake has left a profound mark on our everyday lives here in Port Vila. The capital’s normally bustling streets remain quiet, with the Central Business District seeing demolition crews and engineers assessing buildings; business owners and office staff scampering to remove valuable items to temporary locations across the outskirts of the city.  

Many shops appear closed, and basic services are still returning to what one may consider normal as we move past the one-month anniversary of the initial earthquake. Aftershocks continue to reverberate across the island of Efate as we sleep each night.  

Yet amidst the destruction, I see the remarkable resilience of the Ni-Vanuatu people. As the Bislama saying goes “Bae Yumi Oraet” - we will be okay.  

Our own UN Joint Presence Office bears witness to the earthquake's force – equipment destroyed, infrastructure damaged. Like many buildings in the capital, it awaits structural assessment but for now we are operating out of temporary premises alongside many of our UN colleagues.  

a flock of birds sitting on a rock

In the aftermath, UNDP has been working closely with the Government of Vanuatu to support recovery efforts and help affected communities.

Photo: UNDP

In the first 96-hours following the afternoon of 17 December, what struck me most was how quickly communities and authorities mobilised. The National Disaster Management Office swiftly coordinated initial response efforts, while utility companies worked tirelessly to restore water and power services across affected areas. With thanks to improved digital access much of the population was back online in a matter of hours, not days.  

Those of us here know that the path toward recovery will be slow.  

At UNDP, we recognise this path begins by working alongside the Government of Vanuatu – partners since the immediate aftermath. As we move to recovery, our experience with disaster response in the Pacific has taught us that early action is crucial for building back better. We stand ready to support the Government in assessing damages, planning recovery, and strengthening critical infrastructure against future shocks through targeted initiatives – from community housing to bolstering economic resilience of local enterprises.

The challenges ahead are significant, but so is our commitment. 

text, letter

As Vanuatu moves to the recovery phase, the government and key partners have held a series of meetings to discuss lessons learned from the earthquake.

Photo: UNDP

In the face of this disaster, we have demonstrated that our strength lies in our people and our partnerships. While the earthquake has shaken our foundations, it has not broken our resolve. The road ahead demands patience; with each passing day, we progress not just by rebuilding what was, but by creating something stronger for generations to come.

Sherryl Mahina Ulufia serves as the Area Programme Manager with UNDP in Vanuatu.  

For more information contact:

Nick Turner | Strategic Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | nicholas.turner@undp.org