10 January, 2026, 3:54 pm Central - 28°C Rain

Fijians in Vanuatu share updates but connectivity challenges continue
Vanuatu rocked by second 6.1 magnitude quake this morning

Fijians in Vanuatu share updates but connectivity challenges continue

Vanuatu rocked by second 6.1 magnitude quake this morning

By Rashika Kumar
18/12/2024
Photo: Mateo24News

As getting in touch with family in Vanuatu is still difficult following the magnitude 7.3 earthquake yesterday, Fijians in Port Vila have been able to get some information out through social media.

Maseikula Niumataiwalu who lives in Port Vila, in a facebook post says they are safe, apart from a few scratches.

He says his family spent the night at a friend’s place as their place is right by the water and there might still be a risk of a tsunami.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to give an update on Fijian nationals in Vanuatu due to connectivity issues.

People have been able to get online through Starlink and satellite phones.

Port Vila resident, Micheal Thompson who is part of the rescue efforts and has been providing updates on the situation says internet cable is good but server racks and power supply was damaged.

He says the communications team is currently working on getting the landing station for the fibre cable up and running.

Vodafone Vanuatu says their technical team has successfully restored international voice services but are working to resolve their internet services.

They say this means that family members and loved ones overseas can now reconnect and call Vanuatu without any interruptions.

Digicel has yet to provide an update on their services but people within Vanuatu have been able to call each other while on the Digicel network.

Meanwhile, Vanuatu has been rocked by a second 6.1 magnitude earthquake this morning.

At least 14 people have died and hundreds are injured, according to the Red Cross.

National broadcaster VBTC showed footage of vehicles crushed under the debris of collapsed buildings and boulders strewn across a highway.

Drone footage showed landslips near a shipping terminal.

Caretaker Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, declared a state of emergency and said a curfew would be imposed for seven days in the worst affected areas.

International assistance has been requested.

Source: sbs.com.au


FEATURE NEWS
NFP calls for withdrawal of proposed electricity tariff increase
The National Federation Party is urging both Energy Fiji Limited and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to withdraw the electricity tariff...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
X faces possible UK ban after AI tool Grok creates fake sexual images of females
The UK government has warned that Elon Musk’s social media platform X could be blocked if it doesn't follow online safety rules.This comes after ...
50 minutes ago

FNPF to hold Annual Members Forum next month in Suva, Nadi and Labasa
The Fiji National Provident Fund will be holding its Annual Members Forum next month in Suva, Nadi and Labasa, and they are urging members to attend, ...
57 minutes ago

WAF carrying out preparatory works to fix sewage spill in Laucala Beach
The ongoing sewage spill from the manhole at the back entrance of a supermarket at Laucala Beach has been caused by a severe collapse of the ...
3 hours ago

Mixed reactions from teens after Australia’s social media ban
One month after Australia banned social media for children under 16 years of age, some teens say they feel better, while others are finding ways ...
3 hours ago

CWM staff urged to carpool amid vehicle break-ins
The Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa is urging CWM Hospital staff to practice carpooling due to limited parking space at the ...
4 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
8 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
19 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
19 days ago

TOP