December 21st 2024.
A father from Queensland is reaching out for help to bring his son and family back home from the disaster-stricken Vanuatu just in time for Christmas. Liam Lynch's 14-year-old son, Sean, who has cerebral palsy, faced a difficult time during the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck on Tuesday. The young boy had to be carried out of the house by his mother and 78-year-old grandmother as the ground shook beneath them.
As Lynch was in Australia at the time, he immediately began searching for ways to bring his family back home. He hoped that the Royal Australian Air Force flights would be able to accommodate them, but the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade informed him that the flights were not suitable for people who require wheelchairs. This news was devastating for Lynch as he believed that his son should be back home, away from the chaos and danger.
According to Lynch, the department has neglected vulnerable people, including his 14-year-old son with a disability. He expressed his frustration and worry, not knowing when his son would be able to return home. Since the earthquake, 424 Australians have been brought back home on Royal Australian Air Force planes, with two more expected to arrive in Brisbane tonight.
In a glimmer of hope for Lynch, the Port Vila International Airport has announced that it will reopen for commercial flights tomorrow. Both Virgin and Qantas have confirmed that they will resume services, but Qantas has stated that they will not be taking new bookings until after Christmas Day. They are currently prioritizing customers with existing bookings and those who require additional assistance, in coordination with DFAT.
For those who are currently stranded, the authorities urge them to contact their airlines to confirm details of their flights. In the midst of all this chaos, it's crucial to stay updated and informed. You can download the 9News app to receive notifications on breaking news, sports, politics, and weather, straight to your smartphone. It's available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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