The earthquake in Vanuatu has claimed 14 lives, with ongoing rescue operations to locate survivors amidst significant destruction. A seven-day state of emergency has been declared, impacting public movement while search efforts intensify. International assistance is being mobilized, including support from neighboring Australia. Approximately 116,000 people may be affected by the quake, and reports indicate major structural damage in Port Vila, the capital.
The recent earthquake that shook Vanuatu has resulted in a rising death toll of 14, as ongoing rescue efforts strive to locate potential survivors within the debris. As reported by News.Az, rescue teams are diligently working through the rubble, faced with major structural damage to buildings, including the embassies of several nations. The Vanuatu police have announced a seven-day state of emergency to regulate public movement during these critical search and relief operations.
According to government sources, fatalities include four individuals who perished in a collapsing structure and six victims of a consequent landslide. Among the deceased are two Chinese nationals, as confirmed by Li Minggang, the Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates approximately 116,000 individuals may experience significant consequences from the earthquake’s effects.
Assistance has begun to flow from neighboring Australia, with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles affirming that teams will provide search and rescue support. Additionally, both the United States and France have committed to contributing aid. Local authorities reported seeing rescue workers painstakingly navigating the rubble, employing tools such as jackhammers and concrete saws to locate trapped persons, with some survivors heard calling for help beneath collapsed buildings.
The earthquake struck at 12:47 local time on Tuesday and instigated a brief tsunami warning. This natural disaster has severely impacted Vanuatu, an archipelago vulnerable to earthquakes and other calamities due to its geographical positioning in a seismically active region. Reports also indicate that significant disruptions occurred, with many businesses in Port Vila closing, making it difficult for residents to find essential supplies.
Vanuatu, consisting of approximately 80 islands in the South Pacific, is situated in a region commonly subject to seismic activities, rendering it vulnerable to earthquakes and various natural disasters. The earthquake that occurred on Tuesday has had devastating effects on the nation, resulting in significant structural damage and a tragic loss of life. With a state of emergency declared, rescue operations are prioritized to locate survivors among the debris, while assistance from international allies is being mobilized to aid recovery efforts.
The earthquake in Vanuatu has led to a tragic loss of life and widespread devastation, magnifying the need for immediate rescue and recovery efforts. With the death toll rising and many individuals still unaccounted for, the response from both local authorities and international partners is crucial. As rescue teams continue their search, the resilience of Vanuatu’s communities will be tested in the wake of this disaster, highlighting the ongoing risks faced in this seismically active region.
Original Source: news.az
