The confirmed death toll is ten. Five were killed at Ena Village in the earthquake, and five in the tsunami at Martelli Bay at Southern Pentecost. A 17 year old woman is in a critical condition in intensive care in Vila Hospital, but she is responding to treatment. During the earthquake its two cones, Marum and Benbow, ejected their crater lakes down dry gullies. New fissures have developed on the flanks of the mountainous peninsula to the north, and the volcano now displays signs of heightened activity.
Villagers are reportedly on the move, but no details are yet available.
National Response 4. Assessment staff of the Department of Health conducted a detailed assessment of damage on Pentecost Island, looking not only at health needs but also at other sectors and damage to infrastructure. Their report recommended immediate relief assistance to the people of Martelli Bay, the relocation of the population of St Henrie currently threatened by landslides, the provision of safe water supply to villages in central Pentecost, the repair of rural health centres and schools, and the restoration of access and communications. A New Zealand army engineer has just completed an assessment of both immediate and longer-term needs on Paama, using the same format. However, government departments will still have to carry out their own technical assessments to determine rehabilitation requirements, such as that currently being conducted by the Ministry of Works.