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 expressed Fiji’s readiness to assist in the aftermath of the disaster, emphasizing that trained individuals from Black Rock could be quickly deployed along with the disaster management team.
The earthquake, which hit shortly after noon, has caused significant damage to infrastructure throughout Vanuatu. In response, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, conveyed on social media that Australia is prepared to help as assessments of the damage are being conducted. She reinforced the strong ties between Australia and Vanuatu, pledging support during this challenging time.
New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, also voiced his concerns regarding the disaster. He noted that New Zealand was closely monitoring the situation and confirmed that their high commission building, which shares premises with the US, France, and the UK, experienced substantial damage. Peters assured that New Zealand stands ready to assist Vanuatu as needed.
Additionally, the University of the South Pacific announced a temporary closure of its Emalus Campus due to disrupted communication lines caused by the earthquake.
This situation highlights the solidarity among neighboring nations and the prompt response of regional governments in times of crisis. The coordinated efforts of Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand reflect a commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster response. With ongoing assessments and readiness to help, there is hope for relief and recovery in Vanuatu as it begins to rebuild from this disaster.
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