There is widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads and buildings, following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila and surrounding areas on 17 December 2024. The CBD is blocked off for safety reasons while assessments of damaged buildings are underway. Multiple aftershocks have occurred, and these could continue. Landslides have occurred, with the worst affected areas blocked off. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Essential services, including telecommunications and water supply, were disrupted. Restoration of these services is in progress. Local mobile and internet service has been restored. Power and water have been restored in most areas.
Many hotels and tourism operators are open for business, but some have been significantly impacted by the earthquake and are temporarily closed. If you have pre-existing bookings, contact your travel agent, accommodation provider and/or airline for further information and, if necessary, your insurance company.
With the resumption of commercial services, there are no further scheduled Australian Defence Force flights at this time. Australians in Vanuatu who wish to depart should contact their commercial airline provider.
The Australian High Commission on Winston Churchill Drive, Port Vila, is providing consular assistance to affected Australians.
Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Vanuatu.
