Rescue efforts are underway in Vanuatu following a devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck the capital, Port Vila, claiming the lives of at least 14 individuals. The earthquake, which occurred on Tuesday, left around 200 others injured, with significant damage concentrated in the city’s central area. Witness accounts reveal moments of sheer terror; one individual described sprinting for safety as the quake shook the tallest building in the nation.
In response to the disaster, authorities have declared a seven-day state of emergency to facilitate rescue operations and control public movement. Glen Craig, chair of the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council, shared that the sudden nature of the quake was startling, as residents typically have some warning. He noted that several buildings, including one housing multiple embassies, faced catastrophic structural failure.
Reports indicate that the earthquake caused extensive damage, with at least ten buildings suffering major impacts, while a series of aftershocks continued throughout the night. Tragically, six victims were confirmed to have died due to landslides caused by the tremors, while four others were in a collapsed structure at the time of the earthquake. The casualty figures may rise as rescue teams continue to search the rubble for survivors, although initial reports suggest that widespread damage was primarily localized to a specific area of Port Vila, sparing most of the surrounding regions.
Despite the catastrophe, there are grounds for hope. Craig mentioned that while the situation is dire, he is optimistic that life will return to some semblance of normalcy soon. Aid is on the way, with neighboring Australia sending rescue teams and support from the US and France also pledged. The community is coming together to face this challenge, highlighting the resilience of the Vanuatu people in the face of adversity.
Overall, while the impact of this earthquake is severe, the commitment to rescue and recovery efforts demonstrates a powerful community spirit that can aid healing and rebuilding in the aftermath of such a natural disaster.