Rescuers Race to Save Lives After 14 Dead in Vanuatu Earthquake
A devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital, on Tuesday, leaving 14 people dead and over 200 injured. Rescue teams are racing against time to save those trapped under the rubble, as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
Witnesses describe the scene as catastrophic, with buildings flattened and landslides causing further devastation. A seven-day state of emergency has been declared to ensure rescue operations proceed unhindered.
The Impact of the Quake
The earthquake, which hit at 12:47 local time, caused severe structural damage to at least 10 buildings in the city center. A building housing multiple embassies, including the US Embassy and the British High Commission, was among the most affected.
“Several buildings just pancaked,” said Glen Craig, chair of the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council. “We expect the casualty numbers to rise.”
Photos shared by Vanuatu Police show rescuers sifting through rubble and crawling under collapsed structures in a desperate bid to save lives.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescuers worked through the night, saving three individuals from a collapsed building, though one later succumbed to their injuries. Michael Thompson, a local rescuer, reported an urgent need for equipment like jackhammers and excavators to expedite the search efforts.
The UN estimates that around 116,000 people could be affected by the earthquake’s aftermath.
Aid and Recovery Plans
Australia, France, and the US have pledged assistance, with Australia deploying search and rescue teams to support Vanuatu’s efforts.
Despite the devastation, Glen Craig remains optimistic: “By Thursday, we expect some semblance of normality. Power and internet restoration are underway, and banks will soon reopen.”
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