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
