Direct Relief has reached out to its contacts at the Ministry of Health in Vanuatu to offer assistance following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake today. Damage and injury reports are being collected, as the quake struck at 4 a.m. local time, news sources say.

Basic medical material is desperately needed in the island nation northeast of Australia, based on a needs list Direct Relief has received this week from the lead pharmacist at the Ministry of Health. Additional needs to treat injuries related to the earthquake will be identified as partner reports come in. Direct Relief’s emergency response team is working to expedite aid to support patient care in anticipation of injuries and to fill existing needs.

Direct Relief has extensive experience responding to earthquakes, including those in Haiti, Chile, and China earlier this year, and is prepared to assist as needed.