In brief
In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake in Vanuatu, the death toll has climbed to 14, with countless others injured. Rescue teams are tirelessly working through the rubble as the nation grapples with significant destruction and aftershocks.
The death toll from a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Vanuatu on Tuesday has now reached 14, with search and rescue teams urgently attempting to find survivors amidst the debris. As efforts continue, around 200 individuals are receiving care for injuries sustained during the tremor, while powerful aftershocks were felt throughout the night.Significant damage has been reported, affecting various buildings including embassies for the US, France, the UK, and New Zealand. Additionally, the earthquake disrupted crucial power and mobile phone services across areas of the country.In response to the disaster, Vanuatu police announced a seven-day state of emergency aimed at managing public movement to facilitate search and relief operations. Reports indicate that four people succumbed to injuries in the capital, Port Vila. Compounding the tragedy, six fatalities resulted from a landslide, and four were due to a building collapse, while authorities have expressed concern that the death toll may increase further.Among those lost, two were identified as Chinese nationals, confirmed by Chinese Ambassador Li Minggang, highlighting the broader international implications of the disaster. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has indicated that approximately 116,000 individuals may be significantly affected by the quake's aftermath.Neighboring Australia has pledged support by deploying teams to assist with the search and rescue missions, alongside offers of aid from the US and France. Eyewitness accounts and images shared by Vanuatu Police reveal rescuers using hand tools, including jackhammers and concrete saws, to sift through the rubble in search of any signs of life. Reports from the disaster management office stated that at least ten buildings in Port Vila experienced "major structural damage." In one poignant instance, rescuers caught the faint voices of at least three individuals trapped beneath the debris of a three-storey building, emphasizing the desperation of the situation.Images broadcast by state media showcase the extent of the destruction, with many businesses closed and debris littering the streets. Residents have begun searching for essential supplies as the nation recovers from this harrowing event. The earthquake struck at 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT) on Tuesday, triggering a brief tsunami warning. Vanuatu, composed of approximately 80 islands located in the South Pacific, is situated in a geologically active zone, vulnerable to frequent large-scale earthquakes and other natural disasters.
