Vanuatu Quake Recovery Continues with Faith and Resilience

On December 17, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu, causing loss of life and extensive damage in the capital, Port Vila. Fourteen fatalities have been confirmed, and more than 200 people have suffered injuries.

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Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are actively monitoring the situation and assisting communities impacted by the earthquake.

Many people's homes were destroyed, and essential services like power and water are still being restored.

As of Sunday December 22, approximately 75% of the city's water service and 70% of the electricity network had been restored. 

In addition to purchasing and delivering essential supplies to communities in need, the Church is providing four Starlink satellite units to aid in communication. These are being delivered from Auckland with the support of the New Zealand Defense Force.  

In an act of foresight, President Ben Ball, the Church's mission leader in Vanuatu, had recently equipped all missionary housing with emergency preparation kits containing essential food, water, and life support items. Additionally, the Church maintains shipping containers full of emergency supplies in many Pacific communities, including several in Vanuatu.

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As recovery efforts continue, the Church will keep providing necessary goods and services, in coordination with government and other organizations. 

All members and missionaries of the Church are safe and are focusing on helping those in need. 

There are approximately 12,000 members of the Church of Jesus Christ in Vanuatu, who worship in 39 congregations. The first congregation in the country was formed in 1973. The Church is building a temple in Port Vila.