VANUATU EARTHQUAKE Starlink Emergency Communications System

17 DEC 2024 - VANUATU EARTHQUAKE – Starlink Emergency Communications Systems

Scroll down for updates - 20 Dec.

With severe damage incurred to the submarine cable and local telecommunications system, the images and information emerging from Vanuatu following the devastating earthquake of 17 Dec 24 have been made possible only by the existence of Elon Musk’s Starlink communications system – which by good fortune was granted its Vanuatu operating license as recently as September 2024.

One prominent local figure who led the campaign to bring Starlink to Vanuatu is Milroy Cainton – an advisor to the government, businessman, active local community leader and influencer:

https://vimb.vu/from-influence-to-impact-how-one-advocate-brought-starlink-to-vanuatu-and-transformed-connectivity/

In considering how to offer the most effective, impactful response alongside all the multinational relief efforts underway, it has become apparent that the provision of a “Starlink Emergency Community Communications System” in Port Vila would have a significant positive impact.

A so-called Vanuatu “SEC-C System” would vastly increase the available communications bandwidth to enable communities and businesses in Vanuatu to recover.

A series of non-profit community hubs/nodes is under active planning. There is no time to waste, and so this appeal is for donations to support the immediate local purchase of commercial-grade Starlink systems for a network that will be under the management of Milroy Cainton, in coordination with the Vanuatu Honorary Consulate in the UK.

If managed properly, these hubs have long-term value to the community and the country and so are a meaningful and appropriate deployment of donor funds.

We estimate that each system will cost up to USD2,000 to establish in a “hub” environment, and our initial aim is for five systems and to scale from there as much as funds will allow. With a budget of circa USD25,000 we will have a pool of resources for installation, maintenance and management for at least twelve months. Of course, the more we raise, the wider we can spread this system across Vanuatu, with future disaster mitigation in mind.

This is an extremely dynamic situation and updates to the evolving plan will be posted here.

Each contribution will make a tangible difference in the development and implementation of this relief plan. Thank you.

Updates:

IMPORTANT NOTE

This fund-raise is officially organised by the Vanuatu Honorary Consulate, United Kingdom, together with the Dubai office of VIMB, and Vanuatu-based government appointed representative, Mr Milroy Cainton.

Funds donated through this channel will be allocated for specific, identified and costed requirements only.

To maximise control and distribution, funds raised will be remitted to Vanuatu in tranches according to requests costed and submitted from Vanuatu, and recorded on this site for public viewing.

Disbursements will be made as long as there are funds on account, with an initial targeted fund lifespan of 90 days.

Milroy Cainton is documenting the evolving situation in Vanuatu here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vanuatudialoguelive/

Background

On Tuesday, 17th December, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck just off the coast of Vanuatu, causing widespread destruction in our beautiful South Pacific island nation. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 57 kilometres, was centred 30 kilometres west of Port Vila, population circa 40,000.

The impact has been devastating. Multiple deaths and widespread damage to buildings and livelihoods means that the country will need immediate and ongoing assistance to get back on its feet.

Many severe aftershocks are being registered – up to 6.1 on the Richter scale. Landslides of loosened ground are a grave threat.

Many people will want to offer support and help, but with Vanuatu being so remote, the question is “how”?

The short answer is that donations of money are by far the most direct way in which to provide assistance.

In the early days, gathering a ‘war chest’ of funding will be the priority whilst the picture of what is required is established.

Likely key areas for assistance will be:

Although this is cyclone season, the weather range is currently between 24-30 degrees (75 – 88 Fahrenheit) with only rain showers. However, there is possibility of heavy rain forecast.

The earthquake has damaged critical infrastructure, including a building housing diplomatic missions from the United States, Britain, France, and New Zealand. Businesses have been destroyed, homes devastated, and hospitals are already overwhelmed with the injured.

More information:

Dan McGarry

Twitter/X Post

Michael Thompson on Facebook

Let’s come together as a global community and stand with Vanuatu during this challenging time.

Thank You!

Together, we can make a real difference and help the people of Vanuatu rebuild their lives.

Please donate today.