A 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the island nation of Vanuatu late on December 16, causing widespread devastation in the capital, Port Vila, and surrounding areas.
The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 30 kilometers west of Port Vila, with a depth of about 57 kilometers, leading to significant structural damage across the city.
A tsunami warning was briefly in effect.
Roads have been deformed, landslides were triggered, and people were rushed to hospitals. The presence of aftershocks, including one at magnitude 5.5, has kept the region on high alert.
The damage
Social media posts showed several collapsed buildings, including an incident where the ground floor of a building housing the US, UK, and French embassies was crushed. This led to at least one confirmed fatality, with fears of more casualties as rescue operations continued amidst the chaos.
The disaster has caused physical destruction and disrupted essential services. Internet and network communications have gone down, complicating the rescue and relief efforts.
Rescue efforts
The local hospital has issued urgent calls for additional medical supplies and personnel to cope with the influx of injured individuals.
The international community has responded swiftly. Countries like India, Taiwan, and France are among those stepping up to offer assistance, while the World Health Organization has provided immediate health support.
The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, stated that Australia is ready to respond, with officials from Australia, New Zealand, and France coordinating aid efforts. The full scale of the disaster is being assessed, but reports suggest that several buildings have collapsed, causing many injuries.