A strong earthquake measuring at 7.3 magnitude struck off the coast of Vanuatu, causing widespread damage and at least 14 deaths. Hundreds more have been injured and the search for survivors continues as aftershocks rock the region. A building housing multiple diplomatic missions, including those of the United States and Great Britain, was significantly damaged in the quake. The US Embassy reported that all staff were safe, but the building will remain closed until further notice.
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.
A deadly 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck the small Pacific nation of Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction in the capital city Port Vila. The disaster claimed at least 14 lives and left 200 injured, as buildings including foreign embassies were flattened. The US and French embassies closed temporarily, while President Michael Thompson reported seeing bodies in the streets and a landslide covering a bus. The disaster is expected to have a major impact on the country's population of 320,000 people.
New Zealand's national football team, the All Whites, are gearing up for their upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Samoa and Vanuatu with a strong squad, led by Premier League striker Chris Wood and including a returning Storm Roux. Additionally, young talent Ben Waine is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his football heroes on the team. Tune in for regular online commentary and coverage of all the action.
The process of framing charges in the coal smuggling case at a CBI court in West Bengal's Asansol area has been postponed until July 3 due to the absence of the three accused, including Binay Mishra who is currently settled in Vanuatu Island. The CBI has submitted two supplementary chargesheets and will file another one, including new names, by the next date of hearing. However, the judge has questioned the reason for filing a fresh chargesheet in the last stage of the investigation. So far, 43 individuals and corporate entities have been named in the case, with some already declared bankrupt.