14 dead, hundreds injured in powerful 7.3 Vanuatu earthquake (video)

A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction, at least 14 dead, and hundreds injured. Rescue efforts began immediately, with teams working tirelessly through the night to free people trapped under collapsed buildings.

The quake, which hit 57 kilometers (35 miles) deep, was centered about 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Port Vila, Vanuatu's largest city. The initial quake was followed by strong aftershocks, and while a tsunami warning was issued, it was canceled within two hours. Despite this, the damage was widespread, and disrupted telecommunications made it difficult for officials to provide accurate information right away.

By early Wednesday, the Red Cross reported at least 14 deaths and more than 200 injuries. Some of Vanuatu's key infrastructure took a severe hit. The main hospital in Port Vila was damaged and left without power or water, making it nearly impossible to manage the influx of injured patients. Clement Chipokolo from World Vision described the hospital as overwhelmed and struggling to cope.

The quake caused chaos in downtown Port Vila, where a three-story building full of lunchtime shoppers collapsed onto its lower floors. Rescuers, including both professionals and volunteers, worked desperately to pull survivors from the rubble. Stéphane Rivier, a local garage owner, said he helped recover two survivors and three bodies during an all-night rescue effort. Unfortunately, 50 people are still unaccounted for.

Diplomatic buildings weren’t spared either. A building that housed embassies for the United States, Britain, France, and New Zealand suffered serious damage, with an entire section collapsing. Thankfully, all embassy staff were reported safe.

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the worst-hit areas. Essential services are being prioritized, but residents were urged to avoid coastlines until systems monitoring earthquakes and tsunamis are restored.

Recovery efforts are facing hurdles due to damaged roads, a landslide near the port, and issues at the airport. Australia, New Zealand, and France are stepping in to help. Australia has sent two military planes with medical teams and rescue personnel. New Zealand is preparing to deliver aid once the airport is cleared for use, and France’s military is also mobilizing support.

Vanuatu, which sits on the seismically active zone where the Indo-Australia and Pacific tectonic plates meet, frequently experiences powerful quakes. While buildings are designed to handle such tremors, the sheer force of this earthquake proved overwhelming.

Source: ABC News