Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, is reeling from the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck the Pacific island nation on Tuesday, killing at least nine people and leaving many trapped beneath rubble and landslides. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly, digging through collapsed buildings and using heavy machinery to find survivors, while the country grapples with widespread destruction.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.3, struck off the main island of Vanuatu at 12:47 p.m. local time (0147 GMT) on Tuesday. The tremor triggered major structural damage in Port Vila, flattening buildings, shattering windows, and causing landslides in the quake-prone region. Large sections of the capital have been reduced to rubble, including a three-story building where rescue efforts are still ongoing.
“We got three people out that were trapped. Unfortunately, one of them did not make it,” Michael Thompson, a local resident, told AFP by satellite phone. As rescuers worked overnight, they managed to hear the faint sounds of survivors signaling from within the wreckage. Despite the heavy debris, which includes concrete beams that pancaked down, some survivors remain hopeful.
Around 80 people, including police, medics, volunteers, and trained rescuers, have been involved in the search efforts, utilizing excavators, grinders, jackhammers, and concrete saws to extract survivors. Rescuers on-site have reported hearing signs of life from beneath the rubble, but the scale of destruction makes recovery efforts incredibly challenging.
The government of Vanuatu has declared a seven-day state of emergency, with a curfew in place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. In addition to the earthquake’s devastation, a series of aftershocks has further shaken the region, exacerbating the difficulties faced by both residents and rescue teams.
The death toll, initially reported as 14, has been revised to nine, with Vanuatu’s disaster management office warning that this number could rise as rescue efforts continue. Among the victims were two Chinese nationals, confirmed by the Chinese ambassador to Vanuatu.
In addition to the human toll, the quake caused severe damage to infrastructure. More than 10 buildings were structurally compromised, including the main hospital, three bridges, and power lines. Vanuatu’s two major water reserves, which supply Port Vila, were also destroyed, leaving residents with limited access to fresh water.
International aid has begun to flow in, with Australia and New Zealand sending medical and search-and-rescue teams. Australia deployed a 64-person team, including two search dogs, while French engineers have set up satellite communications to assist with emergency coordination. Though the airport was initially non-operational, it is now able to handle incoming humanitarian aid.
The quake also caused significant damage to Port Vila’s main wharf, which has been closed due to a landslide. The collapse of a four-story building housing multiple diplomatic missions, including those of the US, France, Australia, and New Zealand, further highlights the scale of the disaster. Fortunately, no staff from these missions were injured.
Local officials have expressed concerns over access to water and the potential for further aftershocks, which have left many people afraid to return to their homes. Rebecca Olul, a UNICEF official in the region, noted that many people are taking shelter in parks as a precaution.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 116,000 people could be affected by the earthquake’s aftermath. As the search for survivors continues, the people of Vanuatu remain in urgent need of aid and support to rebuild their lives after this devastating event.
Vanuatu is one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters, regularly facing challenges such as earthquakes, flooding, and storm damage. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the island nation’s susceptibility to such catastrophic events.
As the nation begins to recover, the international community is rallying to provide assistance, but the road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and difficult for the people of Vanuatu.
Sources By Agencies
