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Illustration of A matter of centimetres: a Vanuatu earthquake survivor’s story

“Survivor’s Narrow Escape: A Vanuatu Earthquake Tale”

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A survivor of the recent 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu, Lester Lowane, recounted a harrowing experience that brought him inches away from disaster. While shopping in Port Vila with his mother, a powerful tremor struck just as they entered a store. Lowane described the initial confusion and panic during the earthquake, highlighting the rapid movement of the ground and their struggle to escape as the building began to collapse.

He vividly recalled falling to the ground moments before the structure gave way, suffering a fractured jaw and finding himself surrounded by collapsed concrete and debris. Despite the terrifying ordeal, he remained focused on finding a way out, using his phone to call for help after realizing that his position allowed him to hear rescue efforts outside. Help finally came after 24 hours, with search and rescue teams working diligently to extract him and others trapped in the rubble.

Lowane expressed deep gratitude for the support he received during and after the ordeal, as both he and his mother emerged from the incident with relatively minor injuries. While he experienced fear and anxiety following the earthquake, he is optimistic about his recovery and deeply appreciative of the support from his family and local authorities.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, Vanuatu faces significant challenges as the community works to rebuild and recover. Despite the ongoing dangers, including aftershocks and unstable ground, major infrastructure repairs are progressing, with roads and utilities being restored.

Amid this devastation, a message of resilience shines through, highlighted by local sentiments that encourage the community to “stay strong.” With ongoing aid from international organizations and governments, the hope remains that Vanuatu can recover from this tragedy and emerge stronger than before.

This story serves as a reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the importance of community support in times of crisis.


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