Australia information dwell: Vanuatu pleads for help after highly effective earthquake; HSC outcomes out in NSW and Tasmania

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Vanuatu’s caretaker prime minister, Charlot Salwai, declared a state of emergency final evening and mentioned a curfew can be imposed for seven days within the worst-affected areas.

It was a “sad and devastating time” in Port Vila, he mentioned, expressing sympathy to households who had misplaced family members.

Australia was among the many first to reply his name for emergency help. Penny Wong, Australia’s overseas minister, mentioned the federal government was making ready to deploy rapid help to Vanuatu right now.

Talking in London, she mentioned Australia can be sending emergency medical groups and concrete search and rescue models to the island. A helpline has been set as much as assist Australians who might be caught up within the catastrophe.

On behalf of our nation, on behalf of Australians, I need to prolong our solidarity and our condolences to the folks of Vanuatu.

We’ve seen a dreadful tragedy at Port Vila. I need to say that we’ve reached out to my counterparts by message to supply any helps that Vanuatu wants.

We’ll present no matter help is required. I say to the folks of Vanuatu, you might be household and Australia is right here to assist. In relation to any Australians who’re caught up on this, we can be found to help you, if required. I say, please contact the Emergency Centre. It’s a 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre. From outdoors Australia you dial +61 2 6261 3305 and you’ll be assisted, if you happen to contact us, to the very best of our capability.

The earthquake precipitated harm to an embassy constructing utilized by a number of international locations, together with Australia, however Wong mentioned all its workers had been protected.

Learn our full story right here.

Good morning and welcome to our rolling information protection. I’m Martin Farrer bringing you the highest in a single day tales.

Australian is sending rapid help to Vanuatu right now after a state of emergency was declared following a robust earthquake yesterday. Penny Wong mentioned rescue and medical groups can be dispatched to assist in the aftermath of the quake that precipitated in depth harm to buildings and infrastructure equivalent to reservoirs and communications. The scenario remains to be unclear after the quake knocked out communications infrastructure, however hospital officers advised native TV that at the very least six folks had been killed and 50 injured. Extra developing.

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