A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has struck off the coast of Vanuatu, causing widespread destruction and chaos in the capital city of Port Vila.
The devastating quake, which occurred on Tuesday, has claimed the lives of at least 14 people, with the death toll expected to rise.
A Mass Casualty Event
The quake, which was described as a “mass casualty event,” struck at around 1 pm on Tuesday, flattening buildings, dislodging boulders, and decimating vehicles. The Red Cross has reported that over 200 people have been injured, with many more feared trapped under the rubble.
Critical Infrastructure Damaged
The earthquake has also caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, including hospitals and drinking water reservoirs. The hospital in Port Vila was severely impacted, with triage tents set up outside due to the operating theatre being out of action.
Thousands Affected
An estimated 116,000 people have been affected by the earthquake, with many left without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue efforts are currently underway to find people trapped in collapsed buildings, with police officials working through the night to search for survivors. The scene in Port Vila is one of utter devastation, with vehicles crushed under the debris of toppled buildings and boulders strewn across the highway.
Second Earthquake Hits Vanuatu
As if the initial quake wasn’t enough, a follow-up magnitude 6 earthquake hit Vanuatu on Wednesday morning, causing further panic and destruction.
Eyewitness Accounts
Vanuatu resident Glen Craig described the second earthquake as “nothing out of the normal,” but said the initial quake was a different story. “It was the one yesterday which was very chaotic, very aggressive. We got little to no warning, maybe two seconds and then it was just absolute pandemonium,” he said.
State of Emergency Declared
In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has declared a state of emergency, including a curfew from 6 pm to 6 am. Only essential services are operating, and the city is under a state of lockdown.
International Response
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed sympathy for the people of Vanuatu, saying that Australians are “thinking about our friends and neighbours” in the aftermath of the disaster. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has also announced that Australia is preparing to deploy assistance, including urban search and rescue teams and emergency medical personnel.
Consular Assistance Available
The Australian government has confirmed that there are a number of Australians present in the affected region, and is providing consular assistance to those in need.