USP gives update on Emalus Campus

The University of South Pacific has finally come out and spoken about the situation at Emalus Campus in Port Vila.

Fijivillage was trying to get USP on the situation since Saturday when Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu.

Many worried parents wanted to find out if their children were safe after reports of damages to the campus.

Education Minister, Doctor Mahendra Reddy came forward on Saturday afternoon and assured the parents that the students were safe.

USP Vice Chancellor, Professor Rajesh Chandra released a statement late yesterday that Fijian students at Emalus campus in Vanuatu will have access to wired connections to computers with Email, Skype and Google Voice so students and staff can make international phone calls for free to communicate with family and friends.

Professor Chandra said the communal room will be provided by the Campus Manager.

He said they have been in contact with the Fijian students in Emalus Campus and there have been no casualties or injuries on campus.

Professor Chandra said they were informed that the staff and students of their campus in Vanuatu spent the night in the newly constructed classrooms provided by the People’s Republic of China, which were shuttered and equipped as emergency shelters.

Professor Chandra said the University had been monitoring the situation closely and emergency preparations began early last week.

He added much of the campus has escaped serious structural damage and he is confident that the campus will normalise its operations as soon as power is restored to Port Vila. 

The Emalus Campus was closed from last Thursday 12th March and the Campus will remain closed until further notice. 

Cyclone assistance also includes free food for one week to 120 students on campus and additional temporary casual security staff at night to patrol the campus because lighting is not available.