Port Vila, Vanuatu (Source: AP) — A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Vanuatu on Tuesday, killing at least 14 people, injuring more than 200 others, and causing widespread destruction across the Pacific island nation. The earthquake, which hit the South Pacific nation at around 1:30 p.m. local time, has led to frantic rescue efforts as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
The quake’s epicenter was located 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Port Vila, the largest city in Vanuatu, at a depth of 57 kilometers (35 miles). The tremor, followed by large aftershocks, caused significant damage, with buildings collapsed, infrastructure destroyed, and critical services disrupted. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted within two hours.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Vanuatu’s emergency teams and local residents worked overnight to search for survivors trapped under rubble. Social media videos showed people desperately trying to reach those trapped in collapsed buildings, including a three-story structure in downtown Port Vila that collapsed during lunchtime, leaving people pinned inside. Some survivors were pulled from the debris, including a woman who was rescued and seen lying on a gurney covered in dust.
Stéphane Rivier, a local garage owner involved in the rescue efforts, estimated that 20 people had died, with 50 still missing as of Wednesday morning. Rescue teams have continued to dig through rubble in the hopes of finding more survivors.
The Red Cross confirmed that 14 people had been killed, though officials caution that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue. More than 200 others have been injured, with many treated at the overwhelmed Vila Central Hospital, which itself sustained significant damage.
Vanuatu’s infrastructure has been heavily impacted by the earthquake. Telecommunications and power systems across Port Vila have been severely disrupted, making it difficult for authorities to communicate with other parts of the island. Several buildings, including embassies of the United States, France, New Zealand, and the UK, were badly damaged, though all diplomatic staff have been accounted for.
The national airport and seaport have also been severely affected. The airport was closed for commercial flights, and damage to the terminal and runway is expected to delay the arrival of aid. The seaport, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy, is also shut down, with a massive landslide blocking access.
Government Response and International Aid
Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the worst-hit areas. The government has called for all non-essential services to halt and focused efforts on restoring essential utilities such as water and electricity.
Several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, have mobilized aid. New Zealand is sending a military surveillance plane to assess damage, and both countries have pledged to send search and rescue teams along with humanitarian supplies once the airport is cleared for landing.
Vanuatu, a nation of 80 islands home to around 330,000 people, is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates frequently cause earthquakes. The magnitude 7.3 quake was one of the stronger tremors to strike the region in recent years, and its aftermath has left many communities isolated, with villages experiencing landslides and significant infrastructure damage.
As of now, rescue efforts continue, and authorities are urging residents to stay away from coastal areas due to potential aftershocks. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with recovery expected to take weeks or even months.
The Vanuatu government is coordinating with international organizations to provide immediate relief and ensure that the most affected regions receive urgent help.
