United in support: AUSMAT’s response to Vanuatu’s earthquake
19 Mar 2025
Written by Carla Yeung
On 17 December 2024, at approximately 12:47pm, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the west coast of Port Vila, Vanuatu's capital, causing widespread destruction. The powerful earthquake and subsequent aftershocks triggered landslides, structural collapses, and severe damage to essential infrastructure including telecommunications, water supply, and critical facilities, such as Bauerfield International Airport and Vila Central Hospital (VCH). With casualties reported and a rising number of injured patients, an urgent international response was needed.
As many Australians prepared to gather with loved ones over the festive season, AUSMAT swiftly mobilised three teams over the Christmas and New Year period, delivering lifesaving medical support to one of Australia's closest Pacific neighbours.
AUSMAT’s Deployment at a Glance
18 December
18 December 2024
18 December
5 January 2025
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Teams DeployedJob family representation
Breaking new ground for AUSMAT
These deployments marked several firsts for AUSMAT, demonstrating the evolving scope of its response capabilities.
- First use of the CareFlight G150 charter jet for an AUSMAT deployment, enabling a rapid response mission, supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care. Read more about the partnership in: CareFlight and NCCTRC partner to deliver emergency response for Vanuatu earthquake
- First simultaneous deployment of AUSMAT and the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), ensuring coordinated support across multiple sectors
- First deployment of a Surgical Specialist Cell with rehabilitation professionals and a biomedical engineer – enhancing AUSMAT's ability to maintain and repair vital hospital equipment. Read about Mitchell Bourke’s pivotal role as AUSMAT’s first Biomedical Engineer on deployment in: AUSMAT Spotlight on Mitchell Bourke: from repairs to recovery in Vanuatu’s earthquake response.
Team Alpha – Initial treatment and coordination
Mobilised on 18 December, Team Alpha was a six-person team that departed from Darwin via a CareFlight G150 charter jet, arriving in Port Vila within 36 hours. Their role focused on:
- Supporting Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and Ministry of Health (MoH)
- Coordinating health response efforts and incident management
- Assessing immediate medical needs and supporting Vanuatu’s healthcare responders.
Team Bravo – Surgical Specialist Cell
Recognising the scale of the disaster, the Australian Government expanded its response, deploying Team Bravo on 23 December – a 17-member AUSMAT Surgical Specialist Cell Team that provided specialist medical and surgical care at VCH.
Key clinical activities by Team Bravo:
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The team delivered critical surgery, wound care, infectious disease treatment, general medicine, and rehabilitation services, addressing the urgent needs of the hospital’s patients.
Team Charlie – Vascular surgical and water quality support
On 28 December, Team Charlie, a four-member specialist team, was deployed to address vascular surgery needs and water sanitation challenges at VCH. Their focus included:
- Performing vascular surgery and supporting dialysis patients
- Assessing and advising on water quality at the hospital’s renal unit, ensuring a safer healthcare environment.
