In brief
Rescue efforts are underway in Vanuatu following a powerful earthquake that has resulted in at least 14 fatalities. An estimated 116,000 people could be impacted by the disaster, prompting international assistance from neighboring countries.
The crisis in Vanuatu deepened as the death toll from Tuesday's catastrophic earthquake reached 14, with rescue teams desperately working to uncover survivors amidst the debris. The 7.3 magnitude tremor, which struck at 12:47 local time, wreaked havoc, damaging numerous structures including several foreign embassies and disrupting power and mobile services.As the search continues, around 200 individuals have been treated for injuries, with fears that the number of fatalities could climb. The government reported that four victims succumbed to their injuries in the capital city of Port Vila, another six were lost to landslides, and four died due to a collapsing building. Among the deceased were two Chinese nationals, confirmed by the Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Li Minggang.In response to the unfolding crisis, Vanuatu police have declared a seven-day state of emergency, restricting public movement to facilitate rescue and relief operations. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that about 116,000 people may be affected by the earthquake's most severe impacts.Images shared by local authorities depict rescue workers meticulously sifting through rubble, often using makeshift tools like jack hammers and concrete saws in their quest to find trapped individuals. Notably, rescuers reported hearing voices from a collapsed three-storey building, indicating that survivors may still be within reach.Neighboring Australia is sending relief teams to aid Vanuatu's recovery efforts, with pledges of support also coming from the US and France. As of Wednesday, many businesses in Port Vila remained closed, and the aftermath of the earthquake left roads torn and scattered with debris, forcing residents to scavenge for essential supplies.Vanuatu, a collection of around 80 islands located in a seismically active region of the South Pacific, frequently faces such natural disasters, and this latest earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by its communities.
