A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, killing 14 people and injuring at least 200. Rescue teams are racing to find survivors trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings, with a seven-day state of emergency declared to support operations. The earthquake caused significant structural damage to at least 10 buildings, including one housing the US Embassy and British High Commission, which “pancaked.”
Rescuers are working through aftershocks to recover survivors, with some areas in urgent need of equipment and supplies. Landslides and building collapses were the primary causes of fatalities, and the death toll is expected to rise. While the outskirts of Vanuatu were largely unaffected, the city center experienced the most devastation. Neighboring Australia, the US, and France have pledged aid to assist in recovery efforts.
The earthquake triggered a brief tsunami warning and disrupted power, communications, and essential services. Vanuatu, prone to natural disasters, is working to restore some normalcy, with banks and infrastructure expected to reopen soon.
Rescuers are working through aftershocks to recover survivors, with some areas in urgent need of equipment and supplies. Landslides and building collapses were the primary causes of fatalities, and the death toll is expected to rise. While the outskirts of Vanuatu were largely unaffected, the city center experienced the most devastation. Neighboring Australia, the US, and France have pledged aid to assist in recovery efforts.
The earthquake triggered a brief tsunami warning and disrupted power, communications, and essential services. Vanuatu, prone to natural disasters, is working to restore some normalcy, with banks and infrastructure expected to reopen soon.