Earthquake-triggered landslides cause substantial damage across Port Vila

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 Republic of Korea (ROK) and China should cherish the historical experience of jointly resisting aggression and continue to work together for a prosperous future, said ROK President Lee Jae Myung.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lee will pay a state visit to China from Jan 4 to 7. It will be Lee's first visit to China since he took office last year.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Seoul on Wednesday, Lee said that humanity must learn from the past to prevent the tragedy of war from repeating itself.

"While pursuing their own national interests to the fullest extent, countries must not harm the national interests of others, but should coexist peacefully. The act of invading other countries and massacring their people for one's own benefit must never be repeated. History of humanity often repeats itself, therefore we must learn from the past. In this regard, I believe the historical experience of ROK and China in resisting aggression and fighting together is invaluable. Of course, while historical experience is important, we cannot remain stuck in the past. For a better future for the people of both countries, we need to continuously explore possibilities for working together towards the future," said the president.

ROK president calls for learning lesson from anti-aggression history

ROK president calls for learning lesson from anti-aggression history