Vanuatu Earthquake Appeal

Published: December 24, 2024
Hands praying on a purple background

Purpose: To support the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) in prayer and by sending funds to help provide essential aid to families affected by the recent earthquakes in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

The Situation:

On December 17, 2024, at 12.51pm local time, a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. Less than 24 hours later, a second 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit, triggering landslides and causing widespread destruction across the island.

  • Casualties: 14 lives lost, including one Anglican priest
  • Injuries: 2,000 people have received medical treatment
  • Affected Population: At least 80,000 people, including over 40,000 children, are in need of humanitarian support
  • Evacuations: 1,154 people have been evacuated from their homes
  • Damage: Many homes, buildings, and vital infrastructure have been severely damaged or destroyed, leaving families in desperate need

Our Response:

The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) launched an emergency response within 24 hours of the first earthquake. Managing the response from its headquarters in Santo, ACoM has mobilised its parish network in Port Vila and dispatched its mission ship, the Southern Cross, to deliver supplies.

The Melanesian Mission (MMUK) has sent £2,000 in emergency funding and would like to send £10,000 in additional funds to support ACoM’s work.

Ongoing Prayer and Support:

We ask for your prayers for the people of Vanuatu, the work of ACoM, and other mission and relief agencies working in the region.

If you are able to, please also consider making a donation to this appeal. Your generous donation will help provide:

  • Clean Water: Ensuring access to safe drinking water
  • Food Supplies: Delivering essential food items to those in need
  • Psychological Support: Offering counselling and support to vulnerable families, especially women, children, and the disabled

How to Donate:

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference.

Donate now with the reference Vanuatu EQ: [mmuk.net/donate] or make a bank transfer to

The Melanesian Mission
Sort Code 20-39-53              Account No. 50442216

Or send a cheque made payable to The Melanesian Mission and send to
5 Trumps Orchard
Cullompton
Devon
EX15 1TW

Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

A Prayer for Vanuatu

Heavenly Father,

As we gather in the spirit of Christmas, we remember the people of Vanuatu who are facing immense hardship following the recent earthquakes. We lift up to You the families who have lost loved ones, those who are injured, and the many who have been displaced from their homes.

Lord, we ask for Your comfort and peace to surround them. Grant strength and resilience to those working tirelessly to provide aid and support, especially the Anglican Church of Melanesia and other missions and relief agencies. May their efforts bring hope and healing to the affected communities.

We pray for the provision of clean water, food, and psychological support for the vulnerable, especially women, children, and the disabled. Protect the island from further natural disasters and guide the hands of those rebuilding lives and infrastructure.

In this season of giving, inspire us to act with compassion and generosity. May our contributions, both in prayer and in donations, be a source of blessing and relief to those in need.

We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who brings light to the darkest of times.

Amen.