PINA

A crippling earthquake will test Vanuatu’s already fragile political and economic system. By Meg Keen Riley Duke Vanuatu’s devastating earthquake on Tuesday compounds a political crisis that was already unfolding in the Pacific Island country. Politics has been rightly shoved to the side in the immediate aftermath of the 7.3 magnitude quake, with at least 14 killed, more still missing and widespread...

Lakapi Samoa Board has appointed Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun as its new chief executive officer. He succeeds Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i, who steps down after nine years of leadership at the helm of Lakapi Samoa. Seumanu brings over 15 years of extensive experience in governance and leadership to the role, with a distinguished career that includes years of service as a public...

Rescuers in Vanuatu will be under pressure to reach trapped people quickly, but there will be tough decisions if buildings aren't safe to enter, a structural engineer says. Buildings have collapsed in the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on Tuesday, killing 14 and injuring hundreds more. Locals have been working to pull people from the rubble, with New Zealand's...

The UN is also responding to the earthquake that struck the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu on Tuesday, killing 14 people and injuring more than 200 others, according to authorities. Humanitarians said the situation remains concerning, and a state of emergency has been declared for seven days. Dujarric said the Government has requested international assistance to complement the national response, and...

Seismologists in New Zealand and Australia have expected significant damage from a large earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Tuesday. The 7.3-magnitude shallow earthquake caused strong shaking near the capital Port Vila, about 30 km from the epicentre, at 12:47 local time, with a depth of 43 km, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The earthquake, described by locals as a "violent, high-frequency...

The Pacific Islands Forum Officials Committee (FOC) successfully concluded its 2024 Budget Session, held in Suva, Fiji on 12 – 13 December. Chaired by Niue, the session brought together Forum Members to agree on the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s (PIFS) strategic workplan and budget for 2025. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of navigating the region’s complex and evolving geopolitical landscape. Forum...

Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke, who took the initiative to propose the vote of no confidence motion against former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, is reportedly emerging as a strong candidate for the position of Tonga’s next Prime Minister. All 26 MPs will meet on Christmas Eve to select the Kingdom’s new prime minister. It follows Hon Hu’akavameiliku’s recent resignation ahead of...

An estimated 40,000 children are in need of humanitarian assistance after a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu on December 17, followed by several major aftershocks. According to authorities, 14 deaths have so far been reported, with over 200 injured. UNICEF has already dispatched community first aid kits, Interagency Emergency Health Kits (IEHK) and tents to support continuity of essential...

The United Nations is mobilising humanitarian support requested by the Government of Vanuatu as part of the ongoing response to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked the country Tuesday. The UN in the Pacific offers its deepest sentiments to the Government and people of the Republic of Vanuatu. According to the National Disaster Management Office, the earthquake which struck Vanuatu’s capital,...

By Moffat Mamu For more than 50 years, Kukudu suspension (swinging) bridge on Kolombangara, Western Province in Solomon Islands stood the test of time as it faced ongoing threat from rising ocean tides. Over five decades this bridge served as a lifeline to connect Kukudu Adventist College and the Kukudu Seventh Day Adventist headquarter which are separated by Piongo river. This iconic...