Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation, was struck by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale on Tuesday (December 17th), causing a rising death toll and injuries. At least 14 people have been reported dead and over two hundred injured. Rescue teams are currently working tirelessly to save civilians trapped under collapsed buildings.
According to data from the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 epicentered about 30 kilometers west of Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, at a depth of approximately 57.1 kilometers, indicating a shallow depth earthquake. Following the initial quake, a 5.5 magnitude aftershock occurred in the same vicinity, followed by multiple aftershocks. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning initially but later lifted it.
The strong earthquake caused multiple houses to collapse or sustain severe damages, triggering landslides in the area. Footage and photos from the scene showed a four-story building in Port Vila housing diplomatic missions from the United States, France, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand had suffered significant damage with the ground floor completely destroyed. Another three-story building in the city center, where a large crowd was reportedly having lunch during the earthquake, collapsed with cries for help heard from inside. Additionally, several people were trapped inside a building near the airport.
The Red Cross reported on Wednesday (December 18th) that the earthquake had already claimed at least 14 lives and left over two hundred people injured according to the disaster report from the Vanuatu government. Rescue teams are currently searching for survivors still trapped under collapsed structures, and it is anticipated that the death toll and injuries will rise further.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that an estimated 116,000 people are expected to be affected by the earthquake, roughly a third of the country’s population.
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency in the aftermath of the earthquake and announced a seven-day curfew in the severely affected areas, during which only essential services will be provided. He also urged officials to expedite the restoration of water, electricity, and telecommunication services.
New Zealand authorities announced plans to deploy military reconnaissance aircraft to assess the situation in Vanuatu and deliver relief supplies once safety at the local airport is confirmed. Australia has also dispatched two Air Force transport planes carrying medical supplies and rescue teams to Vanuatu, while French military forces have mobilized personnel to lend a helping hand.