At least 14 people have been killed by a major earthquake in Vanuatu, with the full extent of the damage still unclear.
At lunchtime on Tuesday, a 7.3 magnitude tremor rattled nearby Port Vila for 30 seconds, causing destruction in the capital.
Katie Greenwood, the Red Cross’ Pacific head, said the Vanuatu government had confirmed a death toll of 14 and hundreds of injuries.
Footage and photos broadcast by local outlet VBTC and on social media lays bare the devastation in Port Vila.
A building housing the US, UK, French and New Zealand diplomatic posts was among the worst hit, with the bottom floor of the US embassy crushed by the above floors.
Many photos on social media show collapsed buildings, one which has crumpled cars underneath, with reports of people being stuck in rubble, with careful efforts underway to assist.
“Many victims in the country, flights suspended, communications cut, no water or electricity, we are organising relief,” French ambassador to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, Jean-Baptiste Jeangene Vilmer, posted on social media.
In a VBTC broadcast, caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai issued a state of emergency for seven days, and instituted an overnight curfew – except for essential services – from 6pm to 6am.
Telecommunications failures after the earthquake have made confirming the scale of the harm and damage difficult.
Those communicating with the outside world were largely able to do so through Starlink, including journalist Dan McGarry.
Mr McGarry was first to report loss of life from Port Vila, and has documented landslips around the capital, including a major blockage of a key road near the country’s chief international port, in addition to destruction of buildings.
“People died and many more were hurt. Some have lost their home, and many will find it hard to get back to work. Repairs will likely stretch for years, as they always do in the wake of disaster,” Mr McGarry posted on X.
“But people are pulling together as only Vanuatu knows how. We will get through this. We always do.”
He reported power and water was still out on Wednesday morning, with Australian air force planes flying overhead to survey the damage.
More than 80 islands make up Vanuatu, and it is also unclear how the 350,000-strong population is faring in towns and settlements outside the capital.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the disaster a “dreadful tragedy” and with acting Pacific Minister Matt Keogh, said Australia would be rushing to its neighbour’s aid.
“Australia stands with the people of Vanuatu … we are family and we will always be there in times of need,” the pair said in a statement.
“The Australian government is preparing to deploy immediate assistance … including urban search and rescue and emergency medical teams.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide further assistance to the people of Vanuatu as the extent of damage becomes clear.”
Mr Jeangene Vilmer said France was working with Australia and New Zealand to co-ordinate the response.
The disaster has occurred at a moment of political turmoil in the Melanesian country.
Mr Salwai dissolved parliament last month, setting the stage for a snap election on January 14, only for opposition MPs to mount a constitutional challenge to the move.
While a first case was dismissed by the Supreme Court last week, former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau announced they are appealing that judgment – which was due to be heard before Christmas with reuters.
Written by: Ben McKay
Content © Australian Associated Press
