Vanuatu Earthquake Claims 14 Lives as Rescue Operations Persist

The devastating earthquake in Vanuatu has raised the death toll to 14, impacting critical infrastructures such as embassies and essential services. Rescue operations are ongoing, with many survivors still unaccounted for. Neighboring countries have pledged support to assist in the relief efforts following the disaster.

The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Tuesday has tragically increased to 14, as rescue teams continue their relentless efforts through the rubble to find survivors. This seismic event has caused considerable damage to various structures, including the embassies of the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, and has disrupted power and mobile services across the region. In response to this nationwide disaster, the Vanuatu police have declared a seven-day state of emergency to mitigate public movement while search and rescue operations are conducted.

Authorities have reported that four individuals succumbed to their injuries at a hospital in the capital city of Port Vila, while six fatalities resulted from a devastating landslide, and four additional deaths occurred due to a collapsed building. The government anticipates that these numbers may rise. Notably, two victims were identified as Chinese nationals, as informed by Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Li Minggang.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, approximately 116,000 residents may be affected by the severe repercussions of this earthquake. In support of the ongoing efforts, neighboring Australia has pledged to send teams for search and rescue operations, alongside contributions from the United States and France. Images shared by the Vanuatu Police on social media platforms depict rescuers laboriously sifting through debris and crawling beneath the wreckage of fallen structures.

Reports indicate that at least ten buildings in Port Vila have suffered significant structural damage; this includes one three-story structure where rescuers detected voices from within the rubble. Local resident Michael Thompson highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “Rescuers used ‘everything we can get our hands on,’ including jackhammers, grinders, and concrete saws, to rescue people.” As the situation evolves, it has been observed that numerous businesses in Port Vila remained closed, while residents searched for essential supplies amidst the chaos following the quake, which struck at 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT) and momentarily triggered a tsunami warning. Vanuatu, an archipelago comprising approximately 80 islands, is situated in a seismically volatile region in the South Pacific, known for experiencing frequent large earthquakes and related natural disasters.

Vanuatu is characterized by its geographic vulnerability, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is renowned for its high seismic and volcanic activity. The nation’s infrastructure is often at risk due to such natural phenomena, which can disrupt essential services and pose risks to the safety and well-being of its residents. The recent earthquake, along with its substantial aftereffects, exemplifies the challenges faced by countries like Vanuatu in disaster preparedness and response in the face of climate change and geological unpredictability.

In conclusion, the tragic earthquake in Vanuatu has resulted in a significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, amplifying the urgency of ongoing rescue and relief efforts. The international community’s response, with promises of assistance from nations such as Australia, the U.S., and France, emphasizes the solidarity essential in times of crisis. As rescue operations continue, the hope remains for the safe recovery of those trapped and affected by this disaster.

Original Source: news.az