6 February 2024, Port Vila, Vanuatu – In a swift response to the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on 17 December 2024, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), through its Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) programme, has delivered six Starlink satellite internet units with six months subscription, to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD).
The devices, received on Sunday 22 December 2024, have restored vital communication channels for seismic monitoring and crisis coordination, ensuring lifesaving data reaches decision-makers and the public.
The Director of the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department and Chairman Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC), Mr Levu Antfalo said the collaboration between SPREP and Vanuatu underscores the importance of resilient communication systems in disaster-prone regions.
“WRP’s support was timely and transformative and confirms to me that our vision as the PMC to establish the programme works. It also highlights how preparedness and innovation can mitigate crises,” he said.
SPREP’s intervention not only safeguarded Vanuatu’s immediate response but also set a precedent for integrating satellite technology into Pacific Island Nations’ disaster strategies.
The earthquake crippled Vanuatu’s internet infrastructure, severing VMGD’s ability to communicate seismic updates or retrieve data from remote monitoring stations.
For 24 hours, the National Warning Centre’s data acquisition server lay dormant, while humanitarian responders and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) struggled with severely limited bandwidth.
ICT Manager of VMGD, Ms Esther Saul said: “Everyone needed internet, but the shared connection couldn’t support both crisis coordination and seismic analysis.”
These devices enabled VMGD’s seismic analysts to rapidly retrieve data, assess aftershocks, and produce actionable reports for government leaders.
The WRP programme, spearheaded by SPREP, intervened at a critical juncture—five days into the crisis—to ensure VMGD’s operational continuity.
The dedicated Starlink connection at VMGD headquarters allowed seamless regional and global communication, bridging gaps until local providers Inter Change Limited and the Vanuatu Government Broadband restored services 2 weeks later.
The six Starlink units, configured and deployed immediately upon arrival, were allocated to critical agencies/locations at the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Aneityum observation station (VMGD), Whitegrass observation station (VMGD), Lonorore observation station (VMGD), Namplontafo observation station (VMGD), and Sola.
SPREP and the Weather Ready Pacific programme are commended for their rapid deployment of resources. Their partnership with VMGD exemplifies regional solidarity in advancing climate and disaster resilience.
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About SPREP & Weather Ready Pacific:
SPREP is the Pacific’s leading intergovernmental organisation for environmental protection and sustainable development. The Weather Ready Pacific programme focuses on strengthening climate and disaster resilience through technology, capacity building, and regional collaboration.
Media Contact:
Mr. Ofa Faanunu, Manager, Weather Ready Pacific (WRP), SPREP
Mr. Levu Antfalo, Director, Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department / Chairman Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC)