In Wellington, New Zealand, a devastating magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday, resulting in the loss of at least 14 lives and leaving hundreds injured. The disaster has caused extensive damage across the South Pacific island nation, prompting rescuers to toil through the night to reach those trapped beneath the rubble.
The Red Cross reported the toll early Wednesday, highlighting challenges in communication and infrastructure that have hindered the dissemination of official reports. Following the earthquake, which struck just before 1 PM at a depth of 35 miles near Port Vila, Vanuatu’s largest city, a tsunami warning was lifted two hours later, although various aftershocks continued to rattle the region.
Katie Greenwood, head of the Red Cross in the Pacific, mentioned that over 200 individuals have sustained injuries. She noted that Vanuatu’s main hospital was damaged, and the water supply has been disrupted. The UN humanitarian office added that damaged roads severely restricted access to the airport and sea port, complicating aid delivery efforts.
Residents have been advised to stay away from coastlines for at least 24 hours, as tsunami and earthquake monitoring systems were temporarily offline. Social media revealed videos of nighttime rescue efforts, showcasing the brave work of rescuers searching collapsed buildings, including a three-story structure.
In a positive note, some survivors have been successfully transported from the rubble. Amanda Laithwaite shared that her husband, a rescuer, participated in searching for eight people trapped beneath debris. He reported that three individuals were rescued alive overnight, demonstrating the resilience and determination of those involved in the rescue operations.
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond the immediate injuries, as a building housing multiple diplomatic missions was significantly affected. Fortunately, staff at the U.S. Embassy were reported safe, with the embassy closed until further notice. Other embassies, including those of Britain, France, and New Zealand, experienced damages, but New Zealand has accounted for all but two of its embassy personnel.
Australian officials are mobilizing immediate assistance, including search and rescue and emergency medical teams. With Vanuatu’s geographic positioning along a subduction zone, earthquakes of this magnitude are not unusual, though they pose significant challenges for the nation, particularly as it faces limitations in handling mass casualty events.
In summary, the earthquake in Vanuatu has created widespread devastation, marking a significant humanitarian challenge, yet the resilience and swift response from both local and international teams offer hope for recovery and support in the days ahead. With aid efforts in motion and communities coming together, there is a collective commitment to rebuilding and supporting those affected during this trying time.