Vanuatu Workers Stranded in Fiji After Quake Long to Reunite with Families Back Home

More than 80 Vanuatu workers are currently stranded in Fiji following a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck their home country, leaving them anxious and longing to return to their families. The workers, who had been in Fiji for employment purposes, found themselves grappling with uncertainty as their flights home were delayed due to the seismic event. At the Grand Melanesian Hotel in Nadi, the group gathered to sort out their accommodations for the night. Danson Kirk, one of the stranded workers, recounted a harrowing experience as he was on a phone call with his wife in Vanuatu when the earthquake hit. His wife, who was preparing to board a canoe to their village, described the quake’s intensity before the call abruptly ended when communication networks went down across the country. For hours, Kirk was left in anxiety, unable to contact his wife or ascertain the safety of his family until telecommunications began to restore late Tuesday night. When he finally reached her, he was relieved to hear that everyone in their family was safe. However, his thoughts remained focused on those back home during this challenging time. "I just want to get home so we can start helping out," Kirk stated, echoing the sentiments of many workers in the group who are eager to return to Vanuatu and support their families and communities in the aftermath of the disaster. Emergency teams from Australia and New Zealand were swiftly deployed to the region to assist with search and rescue operations, as the scale of the damage and the need for support became clear. The workers deeply felt the impact of the crisis, not only as expatriates but as individuals with loved ones who could be affected by the natural disaster. Francis Kelep, another worker trapped in Nadi, shared the logistical challenges the group faced upon their arrival. The sudden influx of workers overwhelmed the hotel accommodations they had initially booked, forcing some to be relocated. Despite the weariness reflected on their faces, Kelep and his colleagues maintained a sense of camaraderie, lightening the mood through humor and music from Vanuatu. Yet, the uncertainty weighed heavily on their minds. Many workers had been unable to contact their families since the earthquake and were left in limbo, unsure of their loved ones' well-being. Kelep lamented, "We want to go and check on our families if they are alright or not. We pray that God can help us to travel from here to Vanuatu." In a poignant reminder of the tragedy, Kelep revealed that one of his fellow workers' wives had sustained injuries during the quake, while another worker’s spouse suffered a broken leg when trying to escape. While they grappled with the trauma of the situation, the workers found comfort in each other’s company and their shared determination to return home and assist their families. As the situation unfolds and the workers await the resumption of flights, their heartfelt messages of solidarity and support for Vanuatu resonate loudly. "Even though we are far away, our hearts are with you. You are not alone. We are always by your side," Kirk said, underscoring the strength of community even in the face of adversity. The hope remains that they will soon be reunited with their families and can begin the process of healing and recovery in the wake of the earthquake.