Joylyn John attributes the safety of her family during a recent earthquake in Port Vila to a simple morning prayer. She and her colleague, Marie Dick, were in Lautoka attending a weeklong training at the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND) when the earthquake struck.
The earthquake was a harrowing experience for John’s family, who faced the additional fear of a tsunami warning. Due to network disruptions, she struggled to contact them but eventually learned that they were unharmed and had evacuated to higher ground for safety. One of her sisters expressed how frightening the ordeal was, crediting her morning prayer with helping them survive the event.
Although her family returned home once the tsunami warning was lifted, they still faced challenges with disrupted electricity and water supplies, attributed to significant damage in the area. The local utility company, UNELCO, is working diligently to restore services.
Marie Dick, who lives in Emua Village near Port Vila, also shared her anxiety during the incident. She received reassurances from her husband through text messages, which ultimately brought her relief. Additionally, she noted that the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) had communicated that only medical flights would be available following the earthquake.
This incident highlights the resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters. The prayer that played a role in keeping Joylyn’s family safe serves as a powerful reminder of hope and faith during challenging times. As recovery efforts unfold, there is a collective spirit of support and resilience in Port Vila, underscoring the strength of the human spirit.
In summary, the article emphasizes the significance of familial bonds and the comforting power of faith during crises, while also shedding light on the ongoing recovery work in the region.
Leave a comment