Aussies return home after Vanuatu tragedy

Port Vila: More Australians affected by the earthquake in Vanuatu are back home now. They flew in on emergency flights arranged by the Royal Australian Air Force.

Dozens of evacuees landed at Brisbane’s International Terminal on Thursday evening. Some were smiling and chatting with the media as they walked through.

One evacuee, Emerentiana Ningiga, even snapped a selfie on the RAAF plane, showing everyone relaxed and talking.

Earlier, 148 Australians made it back on Wednesday night, also on RAAF flights. The federal government set up these evacuations after a powerful 7.3 magnitude quake hit Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing serious damage in Port Vila.

Sadly, at least 14 people have died, and over 116,000 are believed to be affected. Authorities expect the death toll to rise.

Vanuatu’s caretaker prime minister has declared a state of emergency, which includes a seven-day curfew in the hardest-hit areas.

The Australian government has rolled out a $2 million response package. This includes a 64-person Disaster Assistance Response Team and two rescue dogs to help find people trapped in buildings.

They’ll be working with local teams to assist in recovery efforts. An Australian Medical Assistance Team is also on the ground, along with a crisis response team from DFAT and additional officers from the AFP.

The evacuees touched down in Brisbane around 6:30 PM. The RAAF used C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules planes to transport the teams and supplies.

DFAT is also helping other Australians still in the affected areas. Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed condolences and emphasized that Australia is ready to help.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also promised support for the people of Vanuatu. Meanwhile, the US has closed its embassy in Port Vila due to severe damage.

Geoscience Australia reported another quake early Wednesday, measuring 6.0 in magnitude, but thankfully, it was deeper than the first one.