Vanuatu faces a grim aftermath as rescue efforts continue following two devastating earthquakes. The quakes have left widespread damage, killed 14 people, and injured over 200 in the Pacific island nation. The earthquakes struck near Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital, causing a massive humanitarian crisis.
Also Read: Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Shakes Vanuatu, Tsunami Threat Cleared
Two Earthquakes Shake Vanuatu
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake rocked Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Tuesday, causing widespread devastation. Hours later, a second 6.0-magnitude quake struck at 5.17am AEDT on Wednesday. The depth of the second quake measured 72km, as confirmed by Geosciences Australia. Aftershocks have continued throughout the region, compounding the crisis.
Casualties and Destruction
The death toll from the first quake has risen to 14, according to the Red Cross. The organisation also reported that over 200 people sustained injuries, many of them severe. Katie Greenwood, head of the Red Cross in the Pacific, said Vanuatu’s main hospital had sustained damage. “The water supply has been compromised,” she added, highlighting the mounting challenges in rescue operations.
Buildings, including embassies in Port Vila, sustained significant damage. Social media videos revealed rescue teams working tirelessly to free survivors trapped beneath rubble. Michael Thompson, a local business owner, described the scene as “chaotic.”
“We understand there are eight people trapped inside, and the guys are trying to move slowly to get in,” Thompson told ABC News.
Airport and Ports Severely Damaged
The earthquakes in Vanuatu today caused damage to critical infrastructure, including the airport and seaport in Port Vila. A massive landslide at the international shipping terminal has halted operations. The airport runway is also damaged, grounding all flights in and out of Vanuatu.
Road damage has limited access to affected areas, further hampering the delivery of aid. The UN humanitarian office reported that access to the airport and seaport is “severely limited.”
Rescue Efforts Continue
Emergency teams in Port Vila are working through the rubble to find survivors. Social media videos show rescuers digging with shovels and hand tools. Some trapped individuals have been pulled out alive.
Amanda Laithwaite shared that her husband joined the rescue efforts. “Three people were pulled alive from rubble overnight,” Michael Thompson wrote on Facebook.
Doctors are providing emergency care in triage centres outside Port Vila’s damaged hospital. Crowds have gathered outside the hospital as medical teams work “as fast as they could,” journalist Dan McGarry said.
International Aid and Assistance
Australia has deployed emergency assistance to Vanuatu, including medical teams and urban search-and-rescue personnel. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the aid on social media, saying, “We are preparing to deploy immediate assistance to Vanuatu.”
The Australian government is also working to contact citizens in Vanuatu. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reported awareness of “several Australians” in the affected areas.
Tsunami Warnings Lifted
The Vanuatu earthquake today triggered tsunami warnings, urging residents to stay away from coastlines for 24 hours. The tsunami warning was lifted two hours after the quake. However, earthquake monitoring systems remain down, leaving communities vulnerable to further risks.
Humanitarian Crisis in Port Vila
Vanuatu faces a significant humanitarian crisis following the earthquakes. Communications remain down, making official information scarce. Social media and patchy phone calls are the only means to report casualties and damage.
Vanuatu, situated on a subduction zone, frequently experiences earthquakes. Despite being accustomed to natural disasters, this recent Port Vila earthquake today has overwhelmed the nation’s resources. McGarry noted that Vanuatu lacks the capacity to handle a mass casualty event.
Vanuatu’s Resilience Tested
As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the people of Vanuatu show resilience in their efforts to recover. The earthquakes have caused immense suffering, but global support and local determination aim to rebuild the affected areas.
Residents and aid organisations continue their efforts, ensuring that survivors receive the assistance they need in these challenging times.
