The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating closely with the government of Vanuatu to assess the impact of a significant 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the region. Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka mentioned that while it’s not yet confirmed whether Fijians have suffered severe effects, Fiji is prepared to provide support to Vanuatu.
“We are ready; our personnel are trained at Blackrock and can be quickly deployed alongside our disaster management team,” Rabuka stated. Similarly, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation and are equipped to assist in relief efforts in conjunction with their partners.
The earthquake, which occurred approximately 30 kilometers west of Vanuatu’s capital at a depth of 57.1 kilometers, was followed by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock. As of the latest updates, Vanuatu authorities have confirmed one casualty. Communication in the area has been affected, though some connectivity has been restored through Starlink, enabling the sharing of images and videos on social media.
In summary, as Fiji gears up to support Vanuatu in the aftermath of this natural disaster, the response reflects a spirit of solidarity and readiness to help, showcasing the region’s resilience and commitment to assisting those in need during tough times. Such cooperation is vital in rebuilding after calamities, fostering hope for affected communities.
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