Mick and Sue Brennan pleased to be home after the earthquake
Above their bedroom before and after the earthquake
The earthquake caused widespread damage across the country, flattening buildings, triggering landslides, destroying homes and killing an estimated 14 people. The earthquake interrupted access to clean water and suspended internet and telecommunications.
Port Vila’s Bauerfield International Airport and Central Hospital both sustained significant damages.
Mick and Sue Brennan from Bargara were staying at the Fishes and Trees Private Retreat in Port Villa. At the time the earthquake hit, the pair were in the retreat’s bar area enjoying a light lunch when they felt the ground begin to rumble and shake.
As the shakes got worse, Mick could recall a television falling off a wall, chairs being knocked over and the bar assistant screaming “Let’s get out!”
During the chaos, the couple fell from the chairs where they had been sitting, onto the crushed coral floor.
The shakes lasted around 30 seconds after this before the earthquake stopped and Mick and Sue both made their way outside.
A few days after the earthquake Mick developed Cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin and tissue beneath it, that remained for two months. It was caused from a small scratch on his ankle he got from falling on the coral floor.
Reef Fish aware of coming earthquake?
The couple had been in Vanuatu for a fishing trip with Ocean Blue Fishing Charters just outside Port Vila. A few days before the earthquake the pair were out in the boat fishing for reef fish and noticed the fish were acting unusual.
According to Mick the fish were swimming towards the top of the water rather than down deeper.
“The fish may have been aware of an earthquake on its way.”
Port Vila Devastated
Almost four months on Port Vila is still recovering from the devasting impacts of the earthquake. Once a bustling area, the city’s central business district remains a ghost town as many buildings await demolition.
In the days following the earthquake, the Australian Government pledged $2 million in humanitarian support to assist the Government of Vanuatu’s response efforts. Providing a further $10 million, in January, to support the restoration of essential services and infrastructure, Australia continues to support Vanuatu’s economic recovery.