Carnival Corporation is donating $60,000 to support emergency relief efforts after a devastating earthquake struck Vanuatu.
At least 14 people reportedly died when the 7.3-magnitude quake struck off the main island of the Pacific island nation on Tuesday, toppling concrete buildings in the capital Port Vila and setting off landslides.
It has damaged water supplies, knocked out mobile networks, halted operations at the capital’s main shipping port, and led to a suspension of commercial flights.
About 80,000 people have been directly affected by the earthquake in the archipelago of 320,000, which sits in the Pacific’s quake-prone Ring of Fire, according to the United Nations humanitarian affairs office.
Vanuatu’s caretaker prime inister Charlot Salwai has declared a state of emergency and a seven day curfew has been imposed on the areas that have been most affected.
Financial support from Carnival Corporation was made possible thanks to all of the group’s lines operating in the region – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard and P&O Cruises Australia as well as the generosity of passengers, according to the company.
The funds will support first responder, ProMedical Vanuatu.
“The ProMedical team worked around the clock for the first 48 hours after tragedy struck in Port Vila, searching for survivors in the rubble and helping provide critical medical care to the injured,” Carnival said.
“Our donation will help ensure our long-term partner ProMedical has everything they need to undertake their lifesaving work and to continue ongoing care to the people of Vanuatu.
“We have also offered our ships for practical, physical assistance if needed and remain in contact with the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office and other aid agencies.
“Vanuatu faces a long road ahead, following this tragedy. As a destination our guests love to visit, and as partners over many decades, we will continue to support our friends and colleagues in the recovery process.
“We look forward to resuming our visits to Port Vila as soon as the community is ready to welcome us back.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this disaster.”
Confirming the earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Tuesday, the Foreign Office said in updated travel advice: “The British High Commission is contacting authorities and urgently seeking further information following the earthquake in Vanuatu.
“Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities. Seek higher ground. Be aware of the possibility of aftershocks.”