AIR freight services into Vanuatu have been impacted following a powerful earthquake on Tuesday (17 December), and there appears to have been a landslide at the port of Port Vila.
Communications have been affected by the deadly 7.3 magnitude earthquake, and information is still surfacing, but drone footage from a Vanuatu-based journalist shows a road blocked by a landslide near the international shipping terminal.
The main wharf is closed, according to a government announcement cited by global news reports.
Neptune Pacific Direct Line on 18 December said it had been receiving updates from Transam Vanuatu – an agency in the NPDL group.
“At this stage, the NPDL Tahiti Voy 2427 is still due to call Port Vila on the 24th of December, however we await official advice from the port authorities, that the channel is open, and on our ability to berth the vessel and move cargo through the port,” NPDL said in announcement.
“Cargo receival at Suva and Lautoka are on hold pending updates on the Port Vila situation.
“With no power, internet or water in the main center at present this remains our first priority for support, and we are looking into all options for providing the care both our team on the ground and the community require.”
NPDL said all Transam Vanuatu staff and their families were safe. At the time of reporting, the national death toll from the earthquake was 14.
Air cargo movements have also been affected, with airlines cancelling or pausing Vanuatu flights.
Qantas Freight on 18 December said it was monitoring the situation in Vanuatu.
“Flights are currently blocked for freight movements between Vanuatu and Australia while we assess the situation locally and we will provide updates on our website as soon as possible,” it said.
Australia is working alongside New Zealand and France under the FRANZ Arrangement to assist Vanuatu with emergency response.
Federal infrastructure minster Catherine King, who is also acting minister for emergency management, said, “The Australian government is supporting the government of Vanuatu during this devastating disaster, including rapidly deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team to support emergency response and early recovery efforts on the ground.
“Their work over the coming days will be incredibly important as they provide practical assistance and significant technical capabilities to support communities and local authorities during these difficult times.”
