ADS
Vanuatu, a South Pacific island country, was struck by a devastating magnitude 7.3 earthquake that caused widespread destruction and claimed the lives of 14 individuals while injuring hundreds more. The earthquake, which occurred near the capital city of Port Vila, left many people trapped under rubble as rescuers worked tirelessly to save lives.
The earthquake, which struck at a depth of 57 kilometers, resulted in severe damage throughout the island nation, with buildings collapsing and infrastructure being severely impacted. The Red Cross reported 14 fatalities in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, with the number expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Katie Greenwood, Director of the Red Cross in the Pacific, reported approximately 200 injuries and significant damage to the major hospital in Vanuatu, which was already struggling to cope with a high number of patients prior to the earthquake. The hospital was left without electricity or water, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Road damage has also hindered access to the airport and sea ports, making it difficult to bring in much-needed supplies and assistance to the affected areas. The UN humanitarian office reported that damage assessments at the airport were scheduled for Wednesday to evaluate the extent of the destruction.
Rescuers worked tirelessly through the night to reach those trapped in collapsed buildings, including a downtown skyscraper that crumbled to its lower levels. Social media videos showed the extent of the devastation, with lunchtime shoppers caught inside buildings when the earthquake struck.
Local residents and volunteers worked around the clock to try and save those trapped under rubble, with reports of survivors being pulled out of the debris after hours of effort. The US, UK, France, and New Zealand embassies in Port Vila were also damaged during the earthquake, with structural collapses and damaged facilities.
As communications remained severely disrupted in the aftermath of the earthquake, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency and instituted a curfew in the worst-hit districts. Residents were urged to avoid coastal areas until tsunami and earthquake monitoring systems were back online to ensure their safety.
The international community has offered support and assistance to Vanuatu, with countries like New Zealand and Australia sending relief teams and equipment to aid in the recovery efforts. The French military has also mobilized resources to assist in the aftermath of the earthquake.
With significant damage to critical infrastructure and widespread destruction across the country, Vanuatu faces a long and challenging road to recovery. The resilience of its people and the support from the international community will be crucial in rebuilding the nation and restoring normalcy to the lives of those impacted by this tragic event.
