People in Fiji who are experiencing difficulties reaching their loved ones in Vanuatu following the magnitude 7.3 earthquake are encouraged to contact the Fiji Red Cross Society on +679 9715895, as they have activated their Restoring Family Links service.
People can also send emails to salote.tupou@redcross.com.fj.
In an interview with fijivillage News, Senior Disaster Management Coordinator Nete Logavatu says some families have contacted them, and they are gathering information about their loved ones in Vanuatu.
He says communication remains an issue in Port Vila and once they establish that channel, they will be able to provide assistance.
Logavatu further says there is a need for manpower in Vanuatu and believes NDMO Fiji has been in touch with NDMO Vanuatu regarding the assistance that can be provided.
He says they are waiting for specific requests and adds that restoring communications will be key to mobilising resources.
Digicel Vanuatu customers can now reconnect with loved ones, as international calls are possible via SES satellite.
Digicel Vanuatu says that their teams are working to restore full connectivity with Integrated Communications Network.
Meanwhile, Vodafone Vanuatu earlier confirmed that their technical team has successfully restored international voice services, though they are still working to resolve internet connectivity issues.
They say that family members and loved ones overseas can now reconnect and call Vanuatu without interruptions.
Port Vila resident Micheal Thompson, who is part of the rescue efforts and has been providing updates on the situation, says the internet cable is intact but server racks and the power supply were damaged.
He says the communications team is currently working to get the landing station for the fibre cable operational.
Some residents have been able to get online using Starlink.
Nearly 24 hours after the devastating magnitude 7.3 earthquake, volunteers continue to search through debris to free those trapped, including two women and a child.
The death toll has risen to 14 overnight, and more than 200 people have been treated for injuries.
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