Chinese Ambassador Li Minggang on Wednesday visited the families of Chinese nationals who lost their lives in the recent devastating earthquake in Vanuatu.
He expressed condolences to the victims and sympathy to their families, assuring them that the embassy would offer all necessary assistance in this difficult time. He added that the embassy has also urged the Vanuatu government and relevant authorities to take quick and effective measures to address post-disaster arrangements.
Vanuatu experienced a 7.3-magnitude earthquake on December 17, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and injuring over 200 people. A subsequent 6.1-magnitude quake struck on December 22, exacerbating the situation and causing extensive damage to infrastructure.
China dispatched a team of four technical specialists to Vanuatu to assist in recovery efforts following the earthquake, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Monday.
The ministry said the team will conduct scientific examinations of building structures in severely affected areas, safety assessments, and investigations into secondary disasters.