Vanuatu Set to Reopen Flights Amid Recovery Efforts After Devastating Earthquake

Vanuatu is poised to restart its commercial flight operations, marking a significant step toward recovery after a devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the main island on Tuesday. The earthquake wreaked havoc in the capital, Port Vila, where it toppled concrete buildings, triggered landslides, and severely disrupted essential services, including water supplies and mobile networks. The disaster has been confirmed to have claimed at least 12 lives, with casualties that include nationals from China, Thailand, and France. In response to the crisis, the Vanuatu government has declared a seven-day state of emergency accompanied by a nighttime curfew, demonstrating the serious nature of the situation that has also displaced more than 1,000 residents. Many are currently reliant on the generosity of others or housed in evacuation centers, as the infrastructure in the area remains compromised. Reports indicate extensive damage, particularly to roads and access routes to vital ports due to landslides and debris. Despite the challenges posed by the earthquake, Vanuatu's tourism sector, a crucial component of the economy, is set to bounce back. Airports Vanuatu announced that operations at Port Vila International Airport will resume on Sunday, allowing holidaymakers to return to the archipelago of 320,000 people. This decision comes after thorough consultations with airport agencies and confirmation that infrastructure at the airport has been certified safe for commercial flights. Glen Craig, chairman of the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council, emphasized the importance of the tourism sector, asserting that it contributes to over half of the nation’s economic activities, both directly and indirectly. He remarked, "The quake has obviously been terrible, but the damage is localized. Life goes on as usual for 99 percent of the people here and in the many villages outside Port Vila." His comments underscore the resilience of the local population and the necessity of ensuring that the economic framework does not suffer an irreparable blow in the aftermath of the earthquake. The government has urged stranded passengers, both within Vanuatu and abroad, to contact their airlines to confirm travel arrangements, signaling a willingness to restore regular operations as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to address the pressing needs for electricity, clean water, food, hygiene and sanitation, and shelter, as the recovery process unfolds. International support has begun to flow in, with Australia and New Zealand dispatching over 100 personnel equipped with rescue gear and aid supplies. The Royal Australian Air Force has already facilitated the evacuation of 424 Australians, with more flights scheduled to assist those affected by the disaster. While the road to recovery may be long, the reopening of commercial flights signifies hope and a commitment to restoring normalcy in Vanuatu. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this calamity, the focus remains on rebuilding and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its residents and visitors alike.