A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least 14 people and injuring hundreds more. The quake hit at a depth of 35 miles and was centered 19 miles west of Port Vila, the largest city in the Pacific island nation.
Rescue efforts began immediately after the quake, with teams working through the night to reach people trapped under rubble. A tsunami warning was called off just over two hours later, but large aftershocks followed.
Damage to telecommunications and infrastructure has hindered official reports, while widespread destruction is reported at the Vila Central Hospital. The hospital was overwhelmed on Tuesday, with patients pouring in after the quake.
Access to the airport and sea port remains severely limited due to road damage, according to the UN humanitarian office. Diplomatic missions, including those of the US, Britain, France, and New Zealand, were also affected, with a significant portion of one building collapsing onto its lower floors.
Rescue teams continued their efforts on Wednesday morning, with videos posted online showing rescuers attempting to reach people trapped in buildings. The situation remains critical, with many areas inaccessible due to damage.
Source: https://www.newser.com/story/361207/73-magnitude-quake-shakes-south-pacific-nation.html