Vanuatu has been struck by a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake, centred approximately 30 kilometres west of the capital, Port Vila. The tremor, occurring at a depth of 57 kilometres, has caused significant devastation, with at least 14 confirmed fatalities and over 200 injuries.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with a focus on collapsed structures where individuals are believed to be trapped. The earthquake has caused widespread structural damage in Port Vila, including to a building housing multiple embassies, where the ground floor gave way under the weight of the upper stories. Bridges have also collapsed, and landslides have further complicated recovery operations.
In the aftermath of the disaster, acting Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in heavily affected areas. International assistance has been requested, with Australia already deploying medical teams and search and rescue personnel.
Critical infrastructure has been heavily disrupted, including power, water supplies, and communications. Port Vila’s international airport has been temporarily closed to commercial flights to prioritise emergency and medical services. Relief teams are working tirelessly to restore essential services.
The United Nations estimates that approximately one-third of Vanuatu’s population, around 116,000 people, have been directly impacted. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as aftershocks continue to rumble through the region. Rescue operations and damage assessments are ongoing, with the death toll expected to rise.
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