19 Dec 2024

Services still patchy in Vanuatu after earthquake

From Checkpoint, 5:08 pm on 19 December 2024

An New Zealand Airforce plane carrying search and rescue equipment and disaster relief supplies has arrived in Vanuatu following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake earlier this week. MFAT consular staff and six defence force personal were on the flight including medics and staff who will help evacuate New Zealanders who are stuck there. On the ground in Port Vila cash is being rationed with ATM's down and electricty intermittment. There's also evidence of some crisis pricing as people try and buy essentials. Central town remains cordoned off as search teams continue to comb the rubble for people, with the death toll expected to rise. Journalist and documentary director Adrian Stevanon spoke to Lisa Owen.