Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save lives following the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday afternoon. The quake, occurring at 12:47 PM local time (0147 GMT), has resulted in at least 14 confirmed deaths and over 200 injuries, with fears the casualty count could rise as rescue efforts continue.
The earthquake brought significant destruction to the region, flattening large buildings and damaging key infrastructure. Eyewitness reports describe urgent scenes as rescuers dig through the rubble of crumbled structures, including one particularly hard-hit three-storey building where survivors can still be heard calling for help. Local resident Michael Thompson shared his harrowing experience, stating, "We could hear screams coming from inside.”
According to the National Disaster Management Office, victims include four people from landslides and four more trapped inside collapsed buildings. Rescue operations began immediately after the quake, but the near-total collapse of telecommunications severely impedes communication and coordination efforts. Many residents struggled to contact loved ones and ascertain the full extent of the damage.
International aid has started pouring in, with Australia's government announcing flight support and medical teams deploying as part of their immediate disaster response. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed the nation's solidarity, noting, "Australia stands with the people of Vanuatu following yesterday’s devastating earthquake." Meanwhile, New Zealand has pledged resources and personnel to help bolster recovery efforts.
The situation is dire; many people remain trapped under heaps of concrete and debris. Police Commissioner Robson Iavro reported, "We believe there are more stuck inside," underscoring the race against time faced by rescuers. Volunteers, resort workers, and trained emergency services are all joining efforts to reach those trapped or injured.
Locals have experienced tremendous upheaval, as roads have been blocked by landslides and most telecommunications are down. The Red Cross and local NGOs are coordinating efforts to provide healthcare support and shelter to those affected. According to international assessments, up to one-third of Vanuatu's population of around 330,000 people may be impacted by the earthquake's destruction.
Among the destroyed structures was the building housing multiple diplomatic missions, including those of the United States, Australia, France, and New Zealand. Thankfully, officials confirmed no casualties from the diplomatic premises, as staff were outside at the time of the earthquake. Yet, the building's ground level materialized as one of the most serious infrastructural damages endured, causing significant concern for the community.
For residents like Glen Craig, chair of the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council, the earthquake was particularly traumatic. He recalled the moment, saying, "It really was very aggressive. If it had gone on another 10 seconds or been another point 1 or 2 bigger, I wouldn’t be talking to you today.”
The emotional toll of natural disasters squares sharply with Vanuatu's already precarious situation, coming on the heels of past cyclones and economic challenges. Residents witnessed scenes of desperation, as many lined up for essentials, with essentials such as fuel and clean water becoming increasingly important. Eric Durpaire, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, expressed alarm about water contamination, reporting increased cases of diarrhea among children due to tainted drinking water.
The impaired airport and seaport infrastructure are anticipated to greatly complicate relief efforts. With airlines suspending flights due to damage concerns, only humanitarian flights have been authorized to land. The kingdom, which experiences frequent natural disasters due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, had shown resilience before, but the community is feeling the weight of repeated calamities.
While the death toll remains uncertain and local reports surface indicating the possibility of more bodies being trapped, there is hope among many for miraculous rescues. Struggling but determined, Vanuatu’s residents and authorities alike are unyielding. Rescue efforts continue, and the spirit of cooperation shines when faced with adversity. Craig reflects on this collective spirit, remarking on how "cooperation" remains strong within Vanuatu society.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles from Australia reassured the people of Vanuatu of continuous support with relief supplies and aid, promising, "Australia's connection with the government and people of Vanuatu is strong, and we will continue to work with them.” The community hopes for healing with the anticipation of rebuilding efforts following this seismic tragedy.
