In the wake of the powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila, Vanuatu on December 17, the Chinese government has quickly mobilized to provide essential humanitarian aid to support recovery efforts in the Pacific island nation.
On Wednesday evening, a shipment filled with emergency relief supplies departed from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in southern China. The cargo, which includes tents, folding beds, water purification systems, solar lamps, emergency food items, and medical supplies, is expected to arrive in Port Vila at 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, as confirmed by civil aviation authorities.
China is also contributing $1 million USD in emergency assistance to enhance Vanuatu’s disaster response and reconstruction initiatives, a commitment made public by Li Ming, spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
Chinese Ambassador Li Minggang paid a visit to the families of Chinese nationals who tragically lost their lives in the earthquake, offering condolences and pledging ongoing support during this challenging time.
In a notable development, China has sent four engineering experts to assist with post-earthquake response efforts, marking the first deployment of an emergency post-disaster assessment team to a Pacific island country. This initiative underscores China’s dedication to fostering regional partnerships and providing humanitarian assistance.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese government, highlighted that China’s rapid response showcases its commitment to aiding Vanuatu in its recovery and rebuilding process.
As relief efforts continue, the cooperation between China and Vanuatu reflects a united front in tackling both the immediate and long-term consequences of this devastating natural disaster. With the strong support from international partners, there is hope for a swift recovery and rebuilding of the affected communities.
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