A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, on Tuesday, leaving at least 14 people dead and many more injured. The disaster caused widespread devastation, reducing buildings to rubble, triggering landslides, and cutting off power and communication services.
Rescue Operations Underway Amidst Challenges
Search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under the debris. Rescuers have been using tools like jackhammers, grinders, and concrete saws to dig through the remains of collapsed structures. In some cases, rescuers heard voices of survivors, including at least three individuals trapped under a three-storey building, according to local reports.
Photos shared by the Vanuatu Police depict responders crawling under debris and sifting through rubble by hand. Meanwhile, a seven-day state of emergency has been declared to ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing relief efforts.
Rising Casualties and Infrastructure Damage
It was confirmed that four of the deaths occurred in Port Vila’s hospital, whereas 6 others died in a landslide. Four more lives were lost in a building collapse, with officials warning that the death toll may increase as search operations progress.
Around 200 people are being treated for injuries, with many enduring aftershocks overnight. Vanuatu’s Disaster Management Office revealed that at least 10 buildings in Port Vila suffered significant structural damage.
A Nation Struggling to Cope
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that about one-third of Vanuatu’s population, roughly 116,000 people, has been impacted by the disaster. Key immediate needs include access to clean water, shelter, healthcare, and the restoration of emergency communication lines.
Severe damage to roads leading to the airport and water ports has complicated relief efforts. Many businesses in Port Vila remained closed on Wednesday, with debris littering sidewalks and cracks visible on roads. Residents were seen searching for essential supplies amid the chaos.
International Assistance and Support
Australia, the United States, and France have pledged aid to support Vanuatu’s recovery. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced that teams would be deployed to assist in search and rescue operations.
Seismic Vulnerability of Vanuatu
The earthquake struck at 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT) on Tuesday, briefly triggering a tsunami warning. Vanuatu, a low-lying archipelago comprising about 80 islands, sits in a seismically active zone prone to frequent earthquakes and other natural disasters.
A Long Road to Recovery
\As Vanuatu grapples with one of its most significant natural disasters in recent history, the nation’s resilience and the support of the international community will be crucial in rebuilding lives and infrastructure.
Where is Vanuatu?
The Republic of Vanuatu is a picturesque island nation nestled in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. This tropical archipelago is situated approximately 1,750 kilometers east of Australia, making it a remote yet accessible destination for travelers. It lies 500 kilometers northeast of New Caledonia, to the west of Fiji, and south of the Solomon Islands, strategically positioned amidst some of the Pacific's most renowned island groups. Vanuatu’s location makes it a hub of natural beauty and a melting pot of regional influences, offering a unique blend of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a rich tapestry of traditions.