The Prime Minister, the Honorable Jeremiah Manele, MP, has today sent a formal letter of sympathy to his Vanuatu counterpart, the Honorable Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, MP, on behalf of the government and people of the Solomon Islands.
Yesterday, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Port Vila, Vanuatu, causing significant damage to infrastructure and the tragic loss of lives.
In the sympathy letter, Prime Minister Manele stated “It is with profound sorrow and sadness that I write to you, your government, and to the people of the Republic of Vanuatu to convey our deepest condolences on behalf of my government and the people of Solomon Islands for the loss of lives, and the huge destruction of property and infrastructure in Vanuatu resulting from the devastating earthquake that struck your country yesterday.
“Prime Minister, words cannot express the depth of sadness and sorrow we feel as we hear about the loss of lives and the level of destruction in your national capital and other areas in Vanuatu”, Prime Minister Manele stated in the letter.
PM Manele assured his Vanuatu counterpart that Solomon Islands stands in solidarity with the Vanuatu government as they lead the immediate response work to the disaster.
Prime Minister Manele further assured Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas that our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones and property, as well as the businesses and communities affected by the disaster.
“May our Almighty God comforts them and give them the strength to endure as they face the pain and sorrow of losing their loved ones and their properties and belongings,” Prime Minister Manele stated.
The Prime Minister concluded the sympathy letter with a reassurance that God will continue to provide blessings to the government and people of Vanuatu at this difficult time.
The Solomon Islands Government in the spirit of Melanesian solidarity will provide assistance to our brothers and sisters in Vanuatu in this difficult time to help restore normalcy.
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OPMC Press Release
