Marape: PNG stands ready to support Vanuatu

Prime Minister James Marape offers deepest sympathy and condolences to the people of Vanuatu for the massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake that claimed 14 lives.

Marape said the magnitude 7.3 earthquake, which occurred approximately 30 kilometers west of Port Vila at a depth of 57 kilometers, caused significant damage to infrastructure, disrupted essential services and left many communities in distress.

"This is a deeply challenging time, and our prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected.

"Papua New Guinea stands ready to provide whatever support is necessary to assist with recovery efforts.” Marape said.

Prime Minister Marape has instructed the National Disaster Centre to coordinate closely
with Vanuatu’s authorities to assess immediate needs and determine the best ways Papua New Guinea can assist in relief and recovery efforts.

“Our region is strongest when we stand together. Papua New Guinea will remain steadfast in its support for Vanuatu as it begins the process of rebuilding and recovery," Marape said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society, Dickinson Tevi, says some parts of Port Vila are still without power, water and total communication breakdown.

He says the two major water tanks and reservoirs that are the source of water distribution to other reservoirs in Port Vila have also been damaged.

"At the moment, Port Vila is without water. This is also high priority. We may be looking soon into how we can distribute jerry cans for [people] to collect water." he said.

However, based on previous experiences, an earthquake scientist from Monash University, Dr Dee Ninis, explains what might be seen next.

She says this pattern of aftershocks could continue for weeks to several months, or even longer, with the magnitude and frequency of earthquakes typically diminishing with time.

Meantime at present, due to communication issues, the full extent of the second rupture has not been made clear.