Statement from CARE Australia on earthquake in Vanuatu

CARE Australia is currently in contact with colleagues from CARE in Vanuatu, who are relaying updates from the aftermath of a magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck near the capital of Port Vila this afternoon.

Reports are that staff in CARE in Vanuatu's main office in Port Vila, and field office in Tanna, were asked to move to higher ground amidst tsunami warnings. The Port Vila office has sustained damage from the earthquake and landlines have been cut. All staff have been sent home. Many large buildings have collapsed in Port Vila, electricity is down and water is cut in most of the capital.

CARE in Vanuatu will continue to provide updates as and when more information becomes available, and will stand ready to assist in recovery efforts.

CARE International has been present in Vanuatu since 2008, working with communities to build resilience to disasters and climate shocks and increase women and girls' involvement in community and national leadership.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Briony FitzGerald on 0404 117 927

About CARE Australia

CARE Australia supports women around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We work in partnership with local communities to provide equal opportunities for women that they have long been denied: the ability to earn an income, gain access to their fair share of resources, to lead and participate in decisions that affect their lives, and to be able to withstand the increasing impacts of climate disasters and other crises. www.care.org.au