Vanuatu Marks First International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes
School drill at the Central School in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on the occasion of Earthquake Day.
On 29 April 2026, Vanuatu marked its first national observance of the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes, bringing together government leaders, communities, scientists, schools, United Nations agencies and development partners to strengthen earthquake preparedness and disaster resilience.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day serves as a global call to honour victims of earthquakes while advancing action to reduce future disaster risk. In one of the world’s most seismically exposed countries, the observance carried particular significance following the devastating earthquake that struck Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila and surrounding areas in 2024.
Landslip along Wharf Road in Port Villa affecting critical infrastructure.
Held under the national theme “Remember – Protect – Build Disaster Resilience,” the event was led by the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and National Disaster Management through the National Disaster Management Office and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD), in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Children's Fund (UNICEF).
From remembrance to resilience
The commemoration combined remembrance with practical action. A high-level ceremony honoured earthquake victims, survivors and first responders, while a multi-sector roundtable explored how scientific risk information can better inform planning, investment and infrastructure development. Discussions focused, among others, on improving building code regulations and compliance.
Discussions highlighted progress made in strengthening building resilience following the 2024 earthquake. Participants pointed to the revised building code and housing policy adopted in 2025, which aim to improve resilience standards while providing clearer guidance for homeowners. The updated building code includes provisions for retrofitting homes against earthquakes and cyclones and promotes resilience as a long-term investment rather than a financial burden. In partnership with the Pacific Resilient Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) an action plan to support implementation of the building code had been developed with building institutional capacity as a key focus area.
At the same time, participants of the roundtable acknowledged significant challenges in implementation and enforcement of building codes, particularly at local levels. Port Vila City Council noted ongoing efforts to develop local building regulations and strengthen enforcement mechanisms with technical support from partners.
The roundtable also explored the challenge of balancing affordability and compliance in a country where around 90 per cent of homes are self-built. Discussions emphasized the importance of practical and affordable resilient housing solutions, particularly for rural and remote communities, while recognizing institutional challenges in rolling out and enforcing housing standards nationwide without a dedicated housing ministry.
Participants of the roundtable discussion on understanding earthquake risk and its application to public and private decision making, planning, and investments in Vanuatu.
Strengthening earthquake risk information
A key feature of the day was the presentation of a seismic risk study for Port Vila, undertaken by Earth Science New Zealand in collaboration with VMGD following the 2024 earthquake. The study represents a major step in better understanding earthquake risk in urban Vanuatu and highlighted the city’s vulnerability to compound hazards, including landslides, surface rupture and liquefaction.
The findings reinforced the importance of risk-informed urban planning, stronger infrastructure standards, and continued investment in “Building Back Better” to ensure future earthquakes do not result in similar levels of damage.
The study also identified priority areas for further investment and technical cooperation, including improving active fault mapping, updating landslide hazard maps around Port Vila, strengthening seismic monitoring systems and enhancing Vanuatu’s national seismic hazard and landslide models. Additional needs highlighted included capacity development for local geologists and the development of standard operating procedures for responding to different geological hazards.
Building a culture of preparedness
Preparedness activities during the International Day also extended through the “Drop, Cover, Hold On – 10 Seconds to Save a Life” campaign in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training. The Central School in Port Vila conducted an earthquake drill designed to institutionalize life-saving actions among students and teachers.
Watch the evacuation exercise here.
Announcements during the school drill at the Central School in Port Vila.
The observance highlighted Vanuatu’s commitment to moving beyond remembrance toward sustained action. National authorities emphasized that earthquake preparedness must become a routine part of public life, supported by regular drills, stronger risk information and continued investment in resilient infrastructure and communities.
The International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes will hopefully become an annual opportunity for Vanuatu to reflect, learn and strengthen collective efforts to reduce disaster risk and protect communities from future seismic events.