Joylyn John credits her sister’s morning prayer for protecting her family from the devastating earthquake that hit Port Vila on Tuesday. Currently attending a weeklong training program at the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND) Headquarters in Lautoka, Ms. John experienced a traumatic wait to confirm her family’s safety following the earthquake.
After the tremor, she struggled to contact her family due to network disruptions. She spent hours anxious for news, only to finally learn that they were unharmed. However, the tsunami warning prompted her family to seek refuge on higher ground until the danger had passed. Joylyn shared that her sister described the experience as frightening, attributing her family’s survival to the morning prayer she had recited.
While the family returned home unharmed after the tsunami warning was lifted, they faced ongoing challenges, including disrupted electricity and water supplies due to significant infrastructure damage. UNELCO, the main supplier of these utilities in Port Vila, is currently working to address the outages caused by the earthquake.
Additionally, fellow colleague Marie Dick, who resides just north of Port Vila, recounted her own distress when she learned of the earthquake while away from home. Her husband reassured her through a text message that they were safe, bringing her immense relief amid a night of worry.
The National Disaster Management Office has restricted commercial air travel, allowing only medical flights to assist those affected by the earthquake, further highlighting the ongoing recovery efforts in the area.
In summary, while the earthquake has caused significant disruption and fear, it also showcased the power of faith and community support during trying times. The resilience displayed by Joylyn and her family, alongside dedicated rescue teams working tirelessly, illustrates a hopeful path forward as the region begins the recovery process. This ordeal serves as a reminder of the strength found in prayer and unity in the face of adversity.
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