Earthquake Response 2024

Rapid response

HELPR-1 immediately pivoted into response mode following the earthquake’s impact as it was positioned in the Shepherd Islands:

• Completed 29 multisectoral impact assessments on 12 islands over two days.
• Activated a mobile EOC to faciliate Shefa Health to coordinate with the National EOCs.
• Captured drone footage of impacts (landslides) and communicated information back to the NDMO.
• Delivered equipment and supplies to affected communities.

Onshore coordination support

The HELPR-1 team supported the set up and operationalisation of the Shefa Health EOC. Over four days, the Shefa Health EOC was operationalised to enhance response planning and data communication. Key achievements included:

• Established impact assessment and priority boards for Efate’s health centers.
• Developed SITREP processes for efficient situational awareness.
• Donated $500 worth of Shefa maps for real-time facility status tracking.

This effort built on prior HELPR-1 support, with Shefa Health officials leading throughout. The final two days focused on a seamless handover, ensuring the team was confident in maintaining operations independently.

Strengthened the operations at the Vila Central Hospital EOC

• Supported situation awarenss and strategic thinking within already established EOC.
• Surge support to surgical team.

Embedded staff to support logistics at the NHEOC and NDMO

• The HELPR-1 team cleared key access roads in the first few days and reinstated access to health clinics and other buildings, making sure they were safe in the aftermath of the cyclones.