The 7-point-3 earthquake in Vanuatu damaged many buildings Photo: Vanuatu Police
Palau - divers found
Authorities in Palau say the divers who went missing on Boxing Day have been found and are safe.
The group were found in an area about 48kms from Peleliu Corner, where they went diving and failed to surface on December 26, prompting a search and rescue effort.
The seven tourists and a dive guide were found by a local who was on his way to fish outside the reef.
Chief Temedik Ngireblekuu of Marine Law confirmed that they were all safe.
Vanuatu - damage to schools
Vanuatu's Ministry of Education says 45 schools have sustained damage with some classified as major following the 7-point-3 earthquake.
The ministry carried out an assessment of school buildings in Port Villa and surrounding areas after the massive earthquake.
The acting director of the Education Services, Jean Jacques Tari told VBTC the ministry will be working to support the worst affected schools in the new year.
Samoa - arrests
In Samoa, two men from the village Afega are in custody and facing charges after 10 illegal power rifles were confiscated together with substantial cash following two separate police raids on Christmas Eve.
Hugo Fata and Fata Voi Selafi, both of Afega, are the suspects in the police raid that swept through a business in Matautu and the village of Afega.
A boxer by profession and gold medalist in previous Pacific Games Hugo Fata was taken by Police from a business in Matautu.
The Samoa Observer said the second raid was in Afega where Fata Voi Selafi was arrested at the discovery of 10 illegal and unregistered power rifles and a pistol.
Fiji - tropical disturbance
The Fiji Meteorological Office says a topical disturbance in Fiji waters has a low chance of turning into a tropical cyclone when it passes Fiji.
It says TD01F was about 430km west of Yasawa-i-rara at 9am on December 29 and continues to move southeast at about 15km/hr.
The Met Service told Fiji Village people should still take precautionary measures as more rain is expected over the Fiji group.
It said the associated trough of low pressure with clouds and rain will continue to affect the country.
A flood alert remains in force for flood-prone areas adjacent to and downstream of all major rivers in Fiji.
