In the aftermath of the earthquake, the EU also activated its Copernicus satellite service in rapid mapping mode to provide damage assessment.

According to first estimations, around 80 000 people have been affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks. Many buildings have sustained major damage including hospitals, as well as water supplies and other infrastructure, notably in and around the capital. 

Last year, the EU also released €700 000 in humanitarian aid for Vanuatu, following several tropical cyclones that hit the country in March and October. The EU also mobilised support from the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, with France offering surveillance and transport flights after cyclone Lola.

Background

The European Union and its Member States are the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.

Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the European Union provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.

The EU has provided around €21 million in humanitarian assistance to the Pacific region since 2008, with over €12.4 million of this aid supporting disaster preparedness programmes.

For more information on the EU’s humanitarian aid in the Pacific, please visit: Pacific region (europa.eu)