Earthquake-triggered landslides have caused significant damage to infrastructure across Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, while experts warn that anticipated heavy rainfall in the coming days may complicate recovery efforts.
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the Southwest Pacific island nation on Tuesday, claiming at least 14 lives and injuring more than 200 people. Just days later, a magnitude 6.1 quake hit early on Sunday, adding to the devastation.
One of the biggest concerns at the moment is the aftermath of the landslides triggered by the aftershocks. Several landslides have occurred around Port Vila, with one particularly substantial event near a local business. Remarkably, despite massive boulders crashing down, the business remains standing. However, the ground remains unstable, and ongoing aftershocks continue to pose a significant risk.
Local authorities have also reported the formation of a low-pressure system off the coast of Port Vila, expected to bring heavy rain for several days. As a result, recovery operations at a landslide site near the port have been suspended, as rescue teams believe there may still be victims trapped beneath the rubble.
Authorities have stated that recovery efforts will not resume until they can ensure the safety of workers, with hopes that the rains will subside soon.
Earthquake-triggered landslides cause substantial damage across Port Vila
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
