Earthquake devastation in Vanuatu: Massive rescue operation underway
After a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck Vanuatu on Tuesday, rescuers are tirelessly searching for people trapped under the rubble. The disaster has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people and has injured over 200, reports the Polish Press Agency, citing Reuters and local medical services.
6:51 AM EST, December 18, 2024
The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 19 miles from the country's capital, Port Vila, 35 miles below the Earth's surface.
The tremors led to the destruction of many structures, including commercial buildings, a hospital, and the embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand, stated Vanuatu's police commissioner, Robson Iavro.
The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, declared a state of emergency and imposed a seven-day curfew in the most affected regions. He also appealed to the international community for support in facing the tragedy.
The national broadcaster VBTC released footage showing the dramatic consequences of the earthquake: crushed vehicles under the rubble of collapsed buildings, boulders strewn across roads, and landslides near the shipping terminal.
Tents have been set up in front of the hospital in Port Vila, where the injured are receiving first aid.
During the night, the region experienced several aftershocks, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 6.1. The international airport in Port Vila has been closed for 72 hours to commercial flights to allow the landing of medical and rescue planes, informed Jason Rakau, Director General of Airports Vanuatu.
Catastrophic earthquake in Vanuatu. Over 115,000 people affected
Vanuatu, located on an archipelago of 80 islands, is home to about 330,000 people. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that the earthquake affected 116,000 people, including 36,000 residents of Port Vila.
