China Sends Emergency Relief to Vanuatu Following Devastating Earthquake

Shenzhen, The Gulf Observer: A shipment of emergency relief supplies departed from Shenzhen, China, on Wednesday evening to support earthquake recovery efforts in Vanuatu. The flight, which left Shenzhen Baoan International Airport at 7:18 p.m. Beijing time, is carrying vital supplies including tents, folding beds, water purification equipment, solar lamps, emergency food, and medical materials. The flight is expected to arrive in Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital, at 4:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, according to civil aviation authorities.

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on December 17 caused significant casualties and damage to infrastructure. In response to the disaster, the Chinese government has committed 1 million U.S. dollars in emergency assistance to Vanuatu to support its disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.

Li Ming, spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, confirmed the aid in a statement last week, outlining China’s ongoing support for the Pacific island nation’s recovery.

In addition to the relief supplies, Chinese Ambassador Li Minggang visited the families of Chinese nationals who lost their lives in the earthquake, offering condolences and assuring them of the embassy’s support during this difficult period. The embassy has also urged the Vanuatu government and relevant authorities to swiftly implement effective measures for post-disaster arrangements.

In response to a formal request from the Vanuatu government, China has deployed a team of four engineering experts to assist with earthquake recovery and reconstruction efforts in the country. This marks the first time China has sent an emergency post-disaster assessment team to a Pacific island nation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China is committed to contributing to Vanuatu’s rebuilding efforts and ensuring the effective response to the aftermath of the earthquake.