By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

Seventeen Tongan students were studying at the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu, this year, and it is believed that most had already returned home, before the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila yesterday.

A law student, Kava Tu’ihaangana, told Matangi Tonga that he returned to Tonga in November after his exams.

“I feel fortunate, considering I lived in a two-story apartment upstairs, where we would feel earthquakes at times but [they] were minor and harmless” he said.

Kava planned on returning to Vanuatu on Feburary next year, to continue his studies.

But due to the damages caused by the earthquake, he said that they might have to take online classes at the beginning of the year.

"I have to go finish my studies but it depends on how fast they recover from the damages. The airport’s down and it looks like we probably wil have to start off the year with online classes," he said.

Another student said she felt relieved that she was back home before the earthquake struck, which "saved her family from a lot of worries".

“Prayers to Vanuatu but, honestly, I’m just relieved that we’re not there –I don’t know how I would’ve reacted,” she said.

“Sad! Hit the heart of Port Vila, a known and famous area to us and to see it destroyed, breaks my heart”.

Wan Tok

WanTok Tonga, a telecommunications company, has its head office in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

The CEO of WanTok Tonga, Mr. Aisake Lalahi in Nuku'alofa, told Matangi Tonga this morning that there hadn’t been any luck  contacting their HQ, due to network problems.

“We don't know much right now from our end, but working towards resolving this issue," he said.

Tongans in Port Vila

A Tongan architect, Sanalio Tofu from Vava’u, currently resides with his family in Port Vila.

Despite concerns from family and friends in Tonga, the family was reported to be safe from harm after his partner, Vikatolia posted on Facebook last night that they were safe.

Many injured and missing

The Government of Vanuatu, stated last night that most of the earthquake damage was in Port Vila, Efate. There were 14 confirmed deaths yesterday (4 at the Vila Central Hospital, 6 in a landslide, and 4 in the Billabong Building). However, the numbers were expected to increase.

In an official report on the immediate impact of the earthquake they stated that that many people were injured and missing. Many buildings had suffered structural damage and the main down town Port Vila, Efate, was closed to the public

At least 10 buildings in Port Vila sustained major structual damage including the Billabong Building, New Zealand High Commission, UK Embassy, Wong Store and the Vila Central Hospital.

The Port Vila main wharf is  closed due to a land-slide. The airport is closed due to a contaminated fuel reserve. There was also damage to major infrastructure, including the Tagabe Bridge, Teouma Bridge and the Blacksand Bridge.

There was damage to the power lines and public water supply in the urban areas. “Two major water reserves in Ohlen area, which supplies water to Port Vila are totally destroyed and will need reconstruction, assessment of water network is ongoing.”

There is intermittent mobile and internet connectivity.

The Vanuatu Government said their immediate need was for “Medical supplies, mobile emergency medical teams, search and rescue teams and heavy machinery for cleaning landslides and collapsed buildings and safe drinking water and jerry cans.”

International support

National emergency responses have been activated, and there is incoming international support from Australia, France, New Zealand, the Franx Partnership and others.