Earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu – How you can help

 

Season’s Greetings, Almanackers one and all,

 

Jarrod Landells here, one of the Footy Almanac’s editors.

 

As many of you will no doubt have seen on news reports, a strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila, in recent days. The death toll is known to be above 14, with hundreds more badly injured and many many more without power, water or communications. There is also significant damage to several major buildings around the city.

 

Vanuatu is close to my heart and many people I love and cherish reside in and around Port Vila. Thankfully, those I have been able to contact via satellite connection are safe and mostly unharmed, however, dozens more have been unable to reply and that is reflected more broadly across the island of Efate and other provinces. This includes the legend Nancy Patterson, whom some of you will know of via her story published HERE.

 

What can you do to help? Currently there are search and rescue missions and general aid flowing from Australia, New Zealand, PNG and France among other countries, however the task is a monumental one and will take years to recover from – a similar timeframe to the Cyclone Pam disaster of 2015. Those who I know well from working in the region have suggested the best place to donate is the Red Cross Pacific Emergency Fund, found at the link HERE. They have a stellar record in responding to crises around the Pacific and will undoubtedly hugely help the process of healing and rebuilding.

 

If you can contribute, amazing. If you can’t, keep Vanuatu in your hearts and please try to help spread the word about the awful impact nature has wrought upon one of our closest neighbours.

 

Cheers.