Dozens of Vanuatu workers who were working in New Zealand are now stranded in Fiji, unable to return home due to the closure of the country's airport. Local authorities have stated that the airport may not reopen until Saturday, leaving the workers stuck in limbo. One worker, Danson Kirk, recounts the fear and uncertainty he felt when he was unable to reach his wife, who was at a wharf preparing to come home, after the 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit the country.
Vanuatu Workers Stranded in Fiji Amid Earthquake and Airport Closure
Background:
Vanuatu, an archipelago nation in the South Pacific, was struck by a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake on September 8, 2023. The quake caused widespread damage and displacement, leaving many communities without access to basic services.
Current Situation:
Following the earthquake, Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport was closed for safety inspections. As a result, dozens of Vanuatu workers who had been employed in New Zealand found themselves stranded in Fiji, unable to return home.
Workers' Perspective:
One of the stranded workers, Danson Kirk, spoke about the fear and uncertainty he experienced when he lost contact with his wife after the earthquake. He had been at the wharf preparing to board a ferry home when the quake struck.
"I was scared. I didn't know what had happened to my wife or my home," Kirk said. "I tried to call her but there was no answer. I didn't know what to do."
Airport Closure and Reopening:
Local authorities have indicated that the airport may not reopen until Saturday, September 12, leaving the workers stranded for an extended period. The airport closure has also disrupted aid efforts and hindered the government's response to the disaster.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What caused the earthquake in Vanuatu? A: The earthquake was caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the ocean floor.
2. How many people have been affected by the earthquake? A: Thousands of people have been displaced and many communities are without basic services.
3. Why is the airport in Vanuatu closed? A: The airport has been closed for safety inspections following the earthquake.
4. When is the airport expected to reopen? A: The airport is expected to reopen on Saturday, September 12.
5. What is being done to help the stranded workers? A: The workers are receiving assistance from the Fiji government and aid organizations.
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