Port Vila Earthquake Remembrance day

One year on from the devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila in December 2024, the people of Vanuatu gather again to honour the 14 lives lost and the thousands affected. The quake, which hit with sudden force and caused the collapse of several buildings—including the former Billabong building, where many of the fatalities occurred—left deep scars across the capital. Hundreds were injured, more than a thousand displaced, and vital infrastructure, schools, homes and hospitals suffered extensive damage.

This year’s independence day earlier in the year, holds special significance with the unveiling of a commemorative stone monument at the exact site of the Billabong building collapse. The monument, a simple yet powerful freestanding stone, stands as a permanent reminder of the lives taken and the community forever changed. During the ceremony, families and survivors gathered to lay flowers at its base, sharing tears, stories and moments of silence. For many, the monument represents not only the memory of those lost, but also the enduring resilience of the people of Vanuatu.

Voices of Hope founder Jason Horan shares a special connection with the island visiting many times a year, over his life and holds the islands beauty and it's people in high esteem. Jason was in port vila enjoying a meal at the time of the devastation in the capital and remembers the difficult scenes during the earthquake and the confusion of the aftermath. He was fortunate to not be injured throughout and took the opportunity to help as many people as possible, reach safety, away from the damaged buildings. He shares "I was as confused as everyone else when the ground began the shake and life set into slow motion, but as the dust started to settle it was clear others needed help".

This was the catalyst moment for him to believe the island needed to get more support and began bringing community's back together which had been separated during the confusion. He also managed to help international families gain their baring's in an unfamiliar and now dangerous area in the town, taking multiple trips to the embassies sharing whatever information he could get about aid and repatriation efforts. His deeper connection with the local communities came, when he saw the hundreds of families returning to their homes in the surrounding villages and towns, witnessing the daily struggle they endure with limited facilities and lack of amenities. Such as running water, showers, toilets and even power in some areas. 

As a part of the events on the 17th December, Remembrance Day memorial. Voices Of Hope will be fund raising for direct school support to get supplies and donations for vital repairs of many of the school buildings needed by our sponsored schools. Followed by the support of the Mayor of Port Vila, Jenny Regenvanu.

We will be placed in the heart of the event collecting votes on the 15th and 16th December for our Fountain Memorial Programme. Where the students of 6 local schools have been submitting their designs for a fountain to be placed on the site of the Olympic building, commemorating the 14 lives lost. The fountain aims to be a beacon of hope for the future generations of Vanuatu, showing the kids that they can be a part of the positive direction of the island and their lives are important no matter their current circumstances. 

Our motto is "There is no dream too big and no position unreachable" 

Once the votes have been counted the winner of the design will be announced on the 17th and a submission will be made to the local government to be considered as the best use of the space. We hope the day can bring us all closer and remember the lives lost in the disaster, along with the spirit of changing the future for the better.

Jason will be there everyday to answer any questions and give out some free gifts to anyone who wishes to come to the event space and see the designs the kids have made.