More Australians Return Home as Vanuatu Faces Water Crisis
Many Australians have been airlifted from Vanuatu amid a severe water shortage following a devastating earthquake
Vanuatu, Australia, Port Vila, Earthquake, Water Shortage, Humanitarian Aid
Port Vila: A bunch of Australians made it back home after being airlifted from Vanuatu, which was hit hard by a big earthquake. Two Royal Australian Air Force planes flew in to help out.
According to a spokesperson at Brisbane airport, the planes landed late Friday night, but they didn’t have the exact number of passengers. It’s been a busy few days.
Since Wednesday, hundreds of holidaymakers and workers have been returning home thanks to these military airlifts. The planes didn’t just bring people back; they also delivered much-needed supplies.
The cargo included hygiene kits, tools, and tarpaulins to help cover up damaged buildings. The earthquake, which was a magnitude 7.3, struck Port Vila on Tuesday, causing a lot of destruction and sadly taking at least 10 lives.
As rescue efforts continue, there’s a real worry about a health crisis. Aid workers estimate that around 20,000 people are without clean water, which is a big deal.
Brecht Mommen, a UNICEF specialist in Vanuatu, mentioned that they need to act fast to prevent illnesses from spreading. He said it’s crucial to get water trucks organized quickly to avoid a diarrhoea outbreak.
The damage to the water infrastructure in Port Vila is still being assessed, and it’s unclear how long repairs will take. There are also concerns about the accuracy of casualty numbers, as some injured folks haven’t made it to hospitals yet.
About 1,000 people are believed to be displaced, according to the United Nations. Relief efforts are facing hurdles like blocked roads and poor communication.
With rain on the way, there’s a risk of more landslides, especially since one major slip has already blocked the main seaport. While humanitarian flights are ongoing, local news says Port Vila airport might reopen for commercial flights on Sunday, which could help bring in more aid.