In the wake of the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck near Vanuatu’s coast in the South Pacific Ocean on December 17, 2024, India has pledged immediate relief assistance of USD 500,000 to help the island nation recover from the disaster.
The earthquake, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life, has left the small Pacific island nation grappling with significant damage. In response, the Government of India has expressed its deep condolences to the people of Vanuatu, offering its full support during this challenging time.
“India stands in solidarity with the people of Vanuatu in the face of this unprecedented natural disaster. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” said a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. “In this moment of crisis, we are ready to extend all possible assistance to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
As a close friend and partner of Vanuatu under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), India’s relief contribution of USD 500,000 aims to support the immediate relief, rehabilitation, and long-term reconstruction efforts on the island. This assistance underscores the enduring ties between the two nations and India’s commitment to helping its Pacific neighbors during times of hardship.
India has consistently demonstrated its willingness to support Vanuatu and other countries in the region, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. In particular, India’s leadership in disaster risk reduction and management is a core element of the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019. The initiative focuses on enhancing regional cooperation in areas such as disaster management, environmental protection, and maritime security.
India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts have been pivotal in responding to regional crises, reaffirming India’s role as a responsible and dependable partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
Vanuatu, which lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to natural disasters. India’s timely support, in line with its broader humanitarian strategy, is expected to provide critical relief to affected communities and bolster the island nation’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
The Government of India has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and will provide further assistance as needed, underscoring its enduring commitment to the people of Vanuatu and the broader Pacific Islands region.
The disaster relief package comes at a time when global cooperation and solidarity are vital for addressing the compounded challenges posed by natural disasters in vulnerable regions.