Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Regional, Vanuatu
The powerful quake struck Vanuatu’s capital city Port Vila at about 57.1 kilometres deep shortly after noon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The city has had multiple aftershocks since, with the strongest yesterday morning reaching a magnitude 5.5.
It damaged buildings, including the embassies of the US, France, the UK and New Zealand, and cut power and mobile services. A seven-day state of emergency has been declared to limit the movement of the public while search and relief operations are underway.
Ni-Vanuatu Annie Watson, who has lived in Rarotonga for 18 years, told Cook Islands News that she had been unable to contact her 28-year-old son, a police officer based in Port Vila.
Watson said it had been difficult for her to see videos and reports of damages caused by the earthquake.
“The network is still down in Port Vila and it’s hard to get hold of my families in Port Vila. My eldest son, who is a police officer, lives in Port Vila with his uncle and aunty and I’ve been worried about them,” said Watson, a nurse with Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
“However, I managed to get in touch with my other families residing in the outer islands and they have assured me that my son and my other families in Port Vila are okay. They said my son is helping with the rescue efforts.”
Watson, who has not returned home to Vanuatu since arriving here almost two decades ago, has been in constant contact with her families in Port Vila until this Monday.
“It’s hard to hear all the news and see the videos from my friends at work of the damages this has caused but I’m so thankful for the support and prayers of everyone here,” she said.
“On behalf of my family, I want to say thank you for your prayers and concerns. Thank you for thinking of us.”
Dr Trevor Cullwick, a surgeon from Vanuatu now working for Te Marae Ora, said it was “devastating and scary” when he first heard and saw the news about the earthquake.
Dr Cullwick’s family and the majority of his relatives reside in Port Vila.
“I have managed to contact one of the relatives and they’re all staying together. They’ve been affected by the aftershocks that’s been happening and there’s a lot of fear. Essential services like water, electricity and telecommunication are still down,” he said.
“The colleagues here have been supportive and helpful in assisting us handle the situation. I just like to thank all the well-wishers and the community for their support. Our community will meet and discuss the next steps in assisting those who have been affected.”
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday offered a message of support for the people of Vanuatu.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Cook Islands, I extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Vanuatu following the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila,” Brown said in a statement to this newspaper.
“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of lives, injuries, and significant destruction caused by this tragic event. Our thoughts are with the families mourning loved ones, those who have been injured, and all communities affected as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
“As Pacific peoples, we share an understanding of the challenges natural disasters bring, and it is in moments like these that the bonds of friendship, unity, and resilience across Te Moana Nui a Kiva (the Pacific Ocean) are strengthened.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Vanuatu as you navigate these difficult days.”