PINA

Vanuatu is at risk of landslides caused by severe weather following a deadly magnitude-7.4 earthquake, as the nation's weather bureau warns a low pressure system will bring rainfall early next week. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department has issued a warning of a low to medium likelihood of a cyclone developing. Officials are closely monitoring low-pressure activity in the Coral Sea,...

Tobacco-related illnesses cost the Fijian economy FJD$319 million (US$159.5 million) every year, equivalent to 2.7 percent of its GDP and about 4.3 times more than the revenue generated by cigarette taxes. They also kill more than 1,200 Fijians annually. Implementing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control represents one of the most cost-effective means for improving people’s lives...

Aid workers on the ground in Vanuatu have described the fear sparked by a deadly earthquake as humanitarian workers prioritise the most needy amid widespread destruction. The magnitude 7.2 earthquake off Efate Island, which has so far killed 14 people, was followed by aftershocks, including one 6.1 magnitude quake, and sparked landslides. Powerlines and water supplies were affected in addition to...

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...