The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) says the earthquake that struck on Tuesday at 12:47pm 31km west off the coast of Port Vila on Efate Island has caused significant damage in the town of Port Vila but that many tourism operations are still operating.
There is a response and recovery operation underway in the town area working with the hotels and resort associations while some accommodations have had to close due to damage or to conduct safety checks and others are fully operational. Those guests in properties affected have been moved to fully operational properties. We are also pleased to hear that both Santo and Tanna have not been impacted by the earthquake.
Port Vila’s International airport assessments have been completed and the runway is operational for humanitarian assistance. The airport remains closed to commercial traffic for 72 hours to allow relief and medivac as the priority. Port Vila Airport is closed until further notice to commercial aircraft. A seven-day State of Emergency has been declared by the Vanuatu Government as of 18th December, 2024.
For information on airline activity, please visit:
- Qantas – www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-updates
- Jetstar – www.jetstar.com/au/en/travel-alerts
- Solomon Airlines – www.flysolomons.com/news
- Virgin Australia- https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/vanuatu-earthquake/
Air Vanuatu have advised that domestic services have been suspended until further notice. Guests are asked not to go to the airport as it is closed. The contact centre is currently closed.
Vanuatu Tourism Office spokesperson has said tourism operators are currently focussed on supporting those guests in Port Vila.
“The town of Port Vila has been significantly impacted by the earthquake and is temporarily closed whilst recovery efforts are underway,” she said.
“While our main focus is ensuring those currently in Port Vila get the support they need, we have been buoyed by messages of support from the international community and once commercial flights resume there are many tourism operators that are fully operational and ready to welcome visitors again.
“We believe that tourism will assist Vanuatu’s recovery from this earthquake and we are hopeful visitors will continue with their plans of travellers holidaying on our shores.”
The main telecommunications network is currently not operational and only those with Starlink access have communications. Authorities are also working to restore power and water supplies.
If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident current in Vanuatu, you can register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal. See the ‘Safety’ section for details on how to register.
Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.
The Ni-Vanuatu community are focused on supporting each other and their families and many are undertaking clean-up operations. As a nation Vanuatu is resilient and the tourism office is aware of many acts of kindness and the community coming together to support each other.
VTO will provide further updates as soon as we can confirm official information to share.
