Dozens of Vanuatu workers returning home from agricultural jobs in New Zealand are currently stranded in Fiji due to the closure of commercial flights following a devastating earthquake in their home country. The Bauerfield International Airport remains closed, with local authorities indicating it may not reopen until at least Saturday.

As the situation unfolded, Australian airlines were quick to cancel flights to Port Vila, exacerbating the predicament for these workers. More than 80 individuals found themselves trying to arrange accommodations at the Grand Melanesian Hotel in Nadi.

One worker, Danson Kirk, recounted a harrowing conversation with his wife just as a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu. The choppy connection broke off as the entire country lost power and communications amidst the chaos. Kirk remained anxious for hours until he could finally reach his wife and confirm that their family was safe.

Emergency response teams from Australia and New Zealand have been deployed to the region to assist with recovery efforts and search for survivors. Kirk expressed a strong desire to return home and support his family and community in the wake of the disaster.

Francis Kelep, another stranded worker, described the situation as overwhelming, with accommodations becoming scarce due to their sudden arrival. Many of the workers, primarily employed by Mr. Apple, are well taken care of regarding travel and housing during their unexpected stay. However, the uncertainty surrounding their families’ safety weighs heavily on their minds.

Despite the troubling circumstances, Kelep shared a message of hope and resilience, expressing their yearning to reunite with their families and affirming their prayers for everyone’s safety. He noted that one colleague’s wife had experienced a close call during the quake, highlighting the serious nature of the events.

Local authorities continue to work tirelessly to locate and rescue individuals trapped in the rubble left by the earthquake. The response from both the rescuers and the Vanuatu workers in Fiji underscores the strength of community and the power of hope as they await the chance to return home.

This situation serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for support networks in times of crisis. With each passing day, there is a renewed sense of hope that these workers will soon be reunited with their loved ones and play a vital role in the recovery process in their home country.