EARTHQUAKE-STRICKEN Vanuatu is still suffering aftershocks but Neptune Pacific Direct Line reports that port and commercial functionality is gradually recovering.
There was a major aftershock of 6 on the Richter Scale on Saturday night [21 December] and several more around 4 since, but NPDL’s Rolf Rasmussen told DCN Transam Vanuatu is back up and running, albeit local Customs is still in manual: “so we are submitting a manual manifest, in order to ensure no delays to clearance”.
NPDL Tahiti is on track to arrive 27 December, as planned, Mr Rasmussen said. “She has aid and donated cargo, as well as a full load of commercial cargo, much needed.
“The Port Vila port has office power back on, and the terminal operating system is back and working for stow plan receipt. Reefer power is on with generators, so 36 plugs are available for the reefers coming off the Tahiti.
“R&D is slow, but happening.”
Mr Rasmussen said the local supermarket has EFTPOS, but no ATMs yet.
Port Vila was hit by a 7.3 magnitude quake last Tuesday [17 December]. The Australian Government has so far committed more than $7.5 million in emergency aid and disaster response while the World Bank this morning announced it has fast-tracked US$12 million for emergency response and recovery.
This support comes through a Rapid Response Option (RRO), which is a new form of flexible, fast access to financing for crisis response introduced by the World Bank.
“The Government is assessing the damage from the earthquake and is continuing to work to deliver more support, shelter, and assistance to those in need,” said Vanuatu’s Caretaker Minister for Finance and Economic Management, Hon. Johnny Koanapo. “This support from the World Bank, along with support from other partners, will be vital in ensuring we have the resources required to assist those most impacted.”
