More than 200 Businesses in Vanuatu Under Lockdown
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Synopsis
On January 15, 2024, it was reported that over 90 buildings and more than 200 businesses in Port Vila, Vanuatu, remain under lockdown due to a severe earthquake. This has resulted in significant job losses, with many employees still facing unemployment as assessments continue.
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 businesses in lockdown
- 7.3-magnitude earthquake impacts
- Hundreds of job losses reported
- Essential services have relocated
- Humanitarian aid pledged by Australia
Suva, Jan 15 (NationPress) Over 90 structures, including more than 200 businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) of Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, remain under lockdown following the 7.3-magnitude earthquake on December 17, 2024, leading to hundreds of job losses.
As reported by local media 'Daily Post' on Wednesday, the area, previously the busiest center on Efate Island, is now desolate. No businesses are operational, with only security personnel and police officers present to protect the remaining structures from looting and to manage traffic in the Port Vila CBD.
Some essential services, such as banks and cash transfer facilities, have moved and retained their staff. Other businesses outside the CBD have offered positions to some of the displaced employees.
Nevertheless, hundreds continue to face unemployment.
The CBD is still closed as most of the buildings impacted by the earthquake are deemed unsafe and classified as risk zones, according to the report.
While visual assessments have been conducted, further evaluations are essential, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The Recovery Operations Centre has confirmed that work is approved to be carried out by engineers from New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
In response to December's devastating earthquake, the Australian government has pledged additional humanitarian aid to Vanuatu.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy announced a 10 million Australian dollar (approximately $6.1 million) package aimed at restoring essential services and infrastructure in Vanuatu.
According to a joint statement, this funding will prioritize education, health, and transportation and will be executed through local systems and partners.
This initiative builds upon the Australian government's earlier commitment of 7 million Australian dollars ($4.3 million) for immediate humanitarian assistance in response to the earthquake.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has estimated that 116,000 individuals were directly impacted by the earthquake.
