Rescuers in Vanuatu are racing to find survivors trapped in buildings after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck the capital of Port Vila, killing 14 people and injuring over 200.
The earthquake, which occurred at 12:47 local time on Tuesday, also caused major structural damage to at least 10 buildings in Port Vila, including several embassies. The disaster management office reported that tremors cut power and mobile services, while a barrage of aftershocks were also reported overnight.
Rescue efforts are being led by Vanuatu police, with assistance from neighboring countries Australia and France. A state of emergency has been declared to limit public movement, and international aid is pouring in.
One witness described the earthquake as “next level” and said it felt like something that comes once in a generation. The government has warned that the death toll could rise further, but officials are confident that most damage was limited to one particular area.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that 116,000 people could be affected by the worst impacts of the quake. Neighboring Australia is sending teams to assist in the search and rescue effort, while the US and France have pledged aid.
As the situation continues to unfold, officials are working to restore power, internet, and other essential services as soon as possible. They remain optimistic that normalcy will return by Thursday.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4pdw1nzp9o