“How Close Did One Survivor Come to Disaster in Vanuatu’s Massive Quake?”

Lester Lowane, a 24-year-old university student from Vanuatu, shared his harrowing experience of surviving a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck while he was Christmas shopping with his mother. In an interview from his hospital bed, Lester recounted how he narrowly avoided being crushed when a cement post fell just centimeters away from him during the quake.

The frightening ordeal began while Lester and his mother were inside a store in the central business district. As the earthquake hit, he instinctively sought an escape route, but found one of the doors locked. Just moments later, before they could reach safety, the building collapsed around them. He lost consciousness due to the impact of falling debris, waking up moments later to blood on the floor and the dim light of the wreckage.

Despite the horrific experience, both he and his mother managed to survive with only minor injuries. They found themselves trapped but endured until rescue teams arrived. It took 24 hours for them to be freed as rescue workers cut through concrete to reach them.

Lester expressed gratitude for the support he received from emergency responders and his family. After enduring fears from aftershocks, he is now focused on healing and moving forward, showing remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. He aims to continue his studies in aviation management next year through an Australian scholarship.

Amidst a broader aftermath, Vanuatu confronts a significant recovery task. The government continues to work on restoring essential services, with reports indicating that many of the roads, water supply, and power are being gradually restored, showcasing the nation’s spirit of perseverance and community support in difficult times.

This inspiring story illustrates not only the immediate dangers posed by natural disasters but the strength of the human spirit to endure and rebuild in their aftermath. Vanuatu’s community has rallied together, as indicated by the signs around Port Vila encouraging residents to “Stay strong and carry on.”