World Bank announces $12 million for Vanuatu quake recovery

A drone view shows a collapsed building in the aftermath of a strong earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu, December 18, 2024, in this screengrab taken from a social media video. Jeremy Ellison/via REUTERS/File photo

Source: UGC

By Lucy Craymer

The World Bank on Tuesday announced $12 million towards emergency response and recovery in Vanuatu, a week after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake killed at least 14 people, wrecked buildings and cut power and water supplies.

The scale of the disaster had been devastating for Vanuatu and would hit the economy hard, Stephen N. Ndegwa, World Bank Country Director for the Pacific and Papua New Guinea, said in a statement.

“We hope this assistance will contribute to Vanuatu’s fast recovery, restore jobs, and provide vital assistance to those who need it most,” Ndegwa said.

The quake caused significant damage to Vanuatu's capital Port Vila and the downtown area is now closed to the public. Vila Central Hospital said 14 people had died and over 210 were injured.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters