A team from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces was dispatched yesterday to aid recovery efforts in Vanuatu following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake last week that heavily impacted the capital, Port Vila.
During a briefing with the soldiers, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, emphasized the critical role they will play in restoring normalcy for the over 100,000 people affected by the disaster. He underscored the need for immediate action to support recovery efforts and the importance of the soldiers’ expertise in the field.
Minister Ditoka mentioned the possibility of the advance team requiring extended service, highlighting the complexities surrounding the deployment timeline. “Prepare for the possibility of extended service,” he urged, acknowledging that while he could not ascertain how the situation would unfold, the team should be ready for any outcome.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka pointed out the significant challenges Vanuatu is facing, including ongoing aftershocks and the looming threat of a cyclone.
This deployment illustrates the solidarity and support among Pacific nations in times of crisis. As recovery efforts unfold, there remains a hopeful outlook for the future of the impacted communities in Vanuatu, as they rally together to rebuild and recover from this disaster.
In summary, the Fijian military’s deployment represents a crucial step towards assisting Vanuatu in overcoming the aftermath of the earthquake, demonstrating regional cooperation and resilience in the face of adversity.
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