Virgin and Qantas fly from crisis-hit Vanuatu

Virgin and Qantas both flew services from earthquake-stricken Vanuatu on Sunday after Port Vila reopened its airport. Both carriers operated 737s to Brisbane, with further Virgin and Jetstar aircraft due to depart the capital today. The commercial relief flights came alongside a RAAF Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules working to bring 568 holidaymakers, workers and other returnees back home to Australia. It comes after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila on Tuesday, killing at least 16 people and injuring 200. The relief situation was further complicated by a smaller earthquake hitting the country’s main island on Sunday, though no Tsunami warning was triggered. Australia has already launched a $2m response package, including a 64-person disaster assistance team, while the UN has separately co-ordinated a humanitarian flight to deliver telecoms equipment and medical supplies. “My message to the people of Vanuatu is Australia is here to help,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong. “This immediate package of support will ensure those in urgent need receive lifesaving assistance.” A state of emergency is still in place across the island nation, with a seven-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in parts of Port Vila scheduled to end on 24 December.<br/>