On 17 December 2024, Vanuatu experienced a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake. 14 people tragically lost their life, half of them in the collapse of the Billabong Store. It was the largest mass casualty event our nation has endured in recent memory.
Everyone was impacted and felt the toll.
Homes were damaged. Families were separated. Many people struggled to access food, water, healthcare, and information. But in the middle of this hardship, we also saw something strong and powerful: Communities came together. Women and leaders stepped forward. People helped each other survive and recover. One of the biggest lessons we learned was: When we are prepared, we can protect lives and support each other better through hard times.
This booklet was created to help you, your family, and your community be better prepared for future disasters. Because when communication systems fail, what we already know and prepare at home becomes very important.
Being prepared is not just about surviving. It is about caring for each other, staying connected, and building stronger communities. We encourage you to read this booklet, share it with others, and talk about it in your homes and communities.
[Outdated version here]