Survivor of the recent earthquake in Vanuatu, Lester Lowane, shared his harrowing experience of nearly being crushed during the 7.3 magnitude tremor. Speaking from his hospital bed, the 24-year-old university student explained that he and his mother had been Christmas shopping when the earthquake struck. As they sought to escape the collapsing building, they faced obstacles, including locked doors and the overwhelming force of the shaking.
Lowane recounted the terrifying moments when he and his mother fell to the ground as the structure crumbled around them, resulting in injuries, particularly a fractured jaw for Lowane. They remained trapped for approximately 24 hours before rescue teams could reach them, cutting through concrete to create an escape route. While Lowane suffered significant injuries, his mother and another survivor emerged with minor wounds.
Despite the trauma and fear experienced after the earthquake, Lowane expressed gratitude for surviving the incident and for the support of his family. With a passion for mechanical engineering, he plans to pursue his studies in Aviation Management next year, aided by an Australian scholarship.
Following the earthquake, fear still lingers in Vanuatu, with strong aftershocks reported, and the official death toll currently at 14, with over 2000 people displaced. However, recovery efforts are underway, with a significant portion of infrastructure restored.
In a hopeful turn, Lowane expressed his appreciation for all those involved in the rescue and emphasized the importance of community in the recovery process. His story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of natural disasters, illustrating the strength of human spirit and the power of support networks during challenging times.
As Vanuatu moves forward, it is essential that the community remains united in recovery efforts, ensuring safety and rebuilding lives as they slowly heal from this traumatic event.
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