Lester Lowane, a survivor of the recent 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu, shared his harrowing experience from his hospital bed, describing the narrow escape he had from being crushed. The 24-year-old university student recounted being out Christmas shopping with his mother when the earthquake hit.
As the strong tremors began, Lowane initially hoped it was a fleeting event, but soon realized they needed to exit the Billabong shop where they were sheltered. In a frantic attempt to escape, the pair discovered one door was locked and courageously made their way to another exit. Unfortunately, they were unable to reach the door as the building collapsed around them.
Amid the chaos, Lowane was knocked unconscious and suffered a jaw fracture, while his mother, although trapped, remained largely unharmed. When he regained awareness, he found both himself and his mother covered in debris but grateful to be alive. He cleverly used his phone to call for help and was able to convey their situation to a relative.
After approximately 24 hours, rescue teams finally managed to reach them, having had to cut through the rubble. Lowane was grateful for the response from emergency services and expressed appreciation for the support from the governments of New Zealand and Australia as well as local teams.
The story highlights not only bravery and resilience in the face of natural disaster but also the importance of community support in times of crisis. While Vanuatu faces ongoing challenges from aftershocks and recovery efforts, Lowane’s focus on healing and gratitude for life exemplifies a hopeful perspective in the wake of devastation. The community is coming together, demonstrating strength and solidarity, as they work towards rebuilding their lives.
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