Lillyrose Andarta Welwel, the President of the Media Association of Vanuatu, recently shared her harrowing experience during the earthquake that struck the nation, leaving a significant impact on Port Vila.
Welwel was attending a media workshop at the Lolam Building when the earthquake hit. She recounted the terrifying moment when the ground shook violently, causing her and approximately ten other journalists to take cover under tables as the building trembled. “The shake was so strong that we were all holding on to the tables,” she recalled, emphasizing the structural fears she felt as pipes broke and water flooded the area.
Fortunately, there was no electricity during the earthquake, which mitigated the risk of further hazards such as electrical fires, but the damage was extensive. Welwel described the scene outside, where chaotic panic ensued, and she witnessed individuals suffering injuries amidst the destruction. “People were running in all directions,” she noted, highlighting the fact that several buildings, including the Wong Building, collapsed, resulting in injuries and entrapments that emergency services were working tirelessly to manage.
The city of Port Vila is grappling with poor communication and disrupted services. “Vodafone is the only service working, but many people are not connected,” Welwel explained as she detailed ongoing struggles with accessing clean water and other necessities. Many families are displaced, having either sought refuge with relatives or living in tents following tsunami alerts, and the situation remains tense as people try to reconnect with loved ones.
Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Welwel acknowledged the government’s response, which included public broadcasts meant to provide vital information to affected communities. However, the enormity of the disaster has left many feeling vulnerable, as families face the uncertainty of knowing about their loved ones’ safety. “For us in the media, we are still unsure whether all our colleagues are accounted for,” she said, reflecting the emotional weight of the experience.
As Vanuatu continues to navigate through the aftermath of the earthquake under a State of Emergency, Welwel expressed relief for her survival and the dramatic shift that occurred in such a brief moment. “In just a few seconds, everything changed,” she remarked, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of disaster.
This story not only emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness and community support in such dire situations but also highlights the bravery and solidarity of individuals like Welwel, who continue to report and provide hope and information despite their own trauma. The path to recovery may be long and challenging, but the determined spirit of the Vanuatu people shines through in their response to this crisis.
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