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Vanuatu struggles to recover after devastating earthquake

China

China

China

Vanuatu struggles to recover after devastating earthquake

2024-12-26 16:46 Last Updated At:17:07

Recovery efforts are underway in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu following a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck last week, causing extensive damage in the capital, Port Vila.

With many businesses closed and a tourism-dependent economy at risk, officials are working diligently to address the fallout from this natural disaster. The World Bank has fast-tracked 12 million U.S. dollars to support cleanup efforts.

General manager Anita Ambong of the Moorings Hotel was on-site when the earthquake hit.

"I knew it was bad and I just shouted to all the staff and the guests that were here, 'Up the hill, up the hill!' because after this I knew there would be a tsunami warning or something," she recalled.

Fortunately, none of her staff were injured, and the hotel sustained only minor damage.

However, the hotel has not escaped the broader impact on business during one of its peak seasons. The road leading to the hotel remains closed, leading to canceled reservations.

"Tourism to Vanuatu is very important; it is one of the most important resources that brings more of Vanuatu's income, and most of us we rely on that," Ambong said.

The disruption to tourism and trade in the heart of Port Vila was immediate and severe. The country, already coping with the aftermath of three cyclones last year, now faces the potential for long-term economic challenges. Some businesses may never recover from the latest disaster.

Choi Euncheon, who owns an auto repair shop affected by landslides, expressed concern over the future of his business. His store is closed, and he has no idea for how long. For him, that's a lot of money lost.

"Big money, big problem now," he said.

As Vanuatu focuses on the immediate needs of approximately 80,000 people directly affected by the earthquake, the challenges ahead are daunting.

"I'm worried at the moment about high unemployment, high inflation, because of limited supplies that will be happening, so this is going to be a big issue," said Dickinson Tevi, secretary general of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society.

Aid workers warn that Vanuatu will require sustained support to recover from this calamity.

Vanuatu struggles to recover after devastating earthquake

Vanuatu struggles to recover after devastating earthquake

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29 people confirmed missing after landslide in Sichuan

2025-02-09 06:21 Last Updated At:07:17

Twenty-nine people were confirmed missing as of 0:00 Sunday after a landslide struck southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to a preliminary investigation by the local government.

The disaster struck at around 11:50 on Saturday in Jinping Village, Junlian County, in the city of Yibin.

Officials from the Yibin government announced the data at a press conference on Sunday, noting that the final number is still being verified. They also stated that two people were rescued in the afternoon -- one severely injured and the other with minor injuries.

The landslide buried 11 houses, according to Yibin authorities. Officials stated that a preliminary analysis indicates continuous rainfall and geological conditions turned the high-altitude landslide into a debris flow. Currently, the landslide remains active.

About 200 residents have been evacuated to safety. Relevant departments urgently transported supplies and worked to ensure the basic living needs of the displaced people, including food, accommodation, and heating.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, ordered all-out search and rescue efforts to minimize casualties after the landslide.

Xi urged efforts to properly handle the aftermath. He stressed strengthening monitoring and early warning, ensuring the rescue work is carried out scientifically, and preventing the occurrence of secondary disasters.

29 people confirmed missing after landslide in Sichuan

29 people confirmed missing after landslide in Sichuan

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