Personnel from the Black Rock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp may soon be mobilized to provide support following the recent 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s readiness to extend help, stating, “We stand ready to have our people trained in Black Rock, who can be swiftly deployed with our disaster management team.”
The earthquake, which occurred shortly after midday, has caused widespread damage to infrastructure across the nation.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, communicated via social media that Australia is prepared to assist Vanuatu as the assessment of the damage begins, emphasizing the close ties between the two nations: “Vanuatu is family, and we will always be there in times of need.”
New Zealand’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, also expressed concern over the situation, mentioning that New Zealand is keeping a close watch on developments. He reported that the New Zealand high commission building, which shares a location with the US, France, and the UK, had sustained notable damage. Peters added, “We stand ready to help Vanuatu and to respond to requests for assistance.”
Additionally, the University of the South Pacific (USP) announced a temporary closure of its Emalus Campus due to disrupted communication lines caused by the earthquake.
In summary, both regional neighbors, Australia and New Zealand, are poised to provide assistance, reflecting the strong bonds and cooperative spirit in the Pacific community during times of crisis. The swift readiness to offer support underlines a collective commitment to help Vanuatu recover and rebuild in the wake of this disaster. It is a hopeful reminder of the resilience and solidarity that can emerge in the face of adversity.
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