Death Toll Reaches 14 in Vanuatu Earthquake as Rescue Efforts Intensify

The earthquake in Vanuatu has claimed 14 lives, with ongoing rescue efforts amidst extensive damage. The state of emergency has been declared, and estimates suggest around 116,000 individuals may be affected. Neighboring countries, including Australia, are providing aid as the nation copes with the aftermath of this seismic event.

The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Tuesday has unfortunately risen to 14, as rescue efforts continue relentlessly amidst the rubble. According to reports from various foreign media sources, the earthquake has caused significant destruction to buildings, impacting embassies including those of the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, and resulting in disruptions to power and mobile services. In response to this disaster, Vanuatu police have instituted a seven-day state of emergency to facilitate search and rescue operations while managing public movement.

Of the confirmed fatalities, four individuals succumbed to injuries at a hospital in the capital city of Port Vila, while six deaths were associated with a landslide, and another four were attributed to a structural collapse. The Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Li Minggang, confirmed that two of the deceased were Chinese nationals. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that approximately 116,000 individuals may be affected by the repercussions of this earthquake.

In response to the crisis, Australia has pledged support by dispatching teams to assist in search and rescue operations, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. The United States and France have also expressed their commitment to providing aid during this critical period. Photographs disseminated by Vanuatu Police on social media exhibit rescuers conducting extensive searches through the debris, utilizing equipment such as jackhammers and concrete saws to reach trapped individuals amidst the wreckage.

Reports indicate that at least ten structures in Port Vila have sustained significant damage, with rescuers hearing voices of multiple individuals trapped beneath the debris of a collapsed building, according to local resident Michael Thompson. The earthquake, which struck at 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT), was brief but severe enough to prompt a tsunami warning.

Vanuatu is an island nation comprising approximately 80 islands in the South Pacific, situated west of Fiji and east of northern Australia. The country is in a seismically active zone, making it susceptible to frequent earthquakes and other natural disasters. The region’s fragility calls for effective preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the impact of such calamities on the local population and infrastructure. As a result, international assistance often becomes vital in the aftermath of severe natural disasters like the recent earthquake.

In summary, the Vanuatu earthquake has resulted in a tragic loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, prompting emergency response measures and the mobilization of international aid. The commitment from neighboring countries to assist in rescue efforts underscores the urgent need to support the affected population. As Vanuatu works to recover from this disaster, continued collaboration and aid will be essential to ensure the safety and recovery of those impacted.

Original Source: news.az