A powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale hit Vanuatu’s main island, Efate, at 12:47 pm (0147 GMT). The quake occurred at a depth of 57 kilometers (35 miles) and was located about 30 kilometers off the coast. The information was provided by the US Geological Survey.
Minutes later, a 5.5-magnitude aftershock hit, accompanied by a series of smaller tremors. These vibrations rattled the low-lying archipelago of 320,000 people, situated in the quake-prone Pacific Rim of Fire.
The ground floor of a four-storey concrete block in Port Vila, which housed the diplomatic missions of the United States, France, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, was completely flattened, as shown in photos by AFP.
The US and French embassy staff have confirmed their safety, according to statements from both countries. The United States has temporarily closed its embassy, while France has reported that their mission has been “destroyed”.
According to resident Michael Thompson, he observed people still present in the buildings in town and even noticed the presence of bodies as he walked by. He shared this information with AFP through a satellite phone and also posted images of the devastation on social media.
According to Thompson, the earthquake not only destroyed the ground floor of the diplomatic building but also caused the collapse of at least two bridges and other buildings.
– ‘Completely flat’ –
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“It’s completely flat, with only the top three floors still intact, although they have sunk down.”
According to Thompson, the owner of a zipline adventure business in Vanuatu, it is highly likely that anyone who was inside at the time is no longer there.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, there are reports that have yet to be confirmed of at least six fatalities. It is also estimated that the devastating earthquake could potentially impact around 116,000 individuals.
The hospital in Port Vila sustained damage, leading to the setup of tents outside to accommodate the influx of patients. Additionally, there was substantial disruption to telecommunications, and the two main water reservoirs suffered damage as well.
According to a situation update, humanitarian partners and authorities are currently working to address access and communication challenges in order to provide immediate response efforts.
Images from public television VBTC showed that some of the people injured in the earthquake were transported to a hospital in Port Vila on flat-bed trucks. Outside the hospital, others were seen lying on stretchers or sitting on plastic chairs with bandages wrapped around their arms and heads.
Several airlines in Australia and neighboring regions, such as Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Fiji Airways, made the decision to divert or suspend flights. They cited reports of potential damage to the facilities and runway as the reason for their actions.
According to Thompson, the earthquake caused a disruption in the mobile networks on the Pacific island.
– Broken glass, debris –
“They are actively proceeding with a rescue operation, focusing on the urgent need for medical evacuation and skilled individuals who are adept at handling earthquake situations,” he emphasized.
Thompson posted a video that was verified by AFP, showing uniformed rescuers diligently working on a collapsed building. The building had crushed parked cars and trucks beneath it.
The city streets were filled with shattered glass and various debris from buildings that had cracked.
According to Sydney-based pharmacist Nibhay Nand, who has businesses across the South Pacific, the staff in Port Vila reported that the majority of the stores in the area had been “destroyed” and nearby buildings had “collapsed”.
Nand expressed his anticipation for the online gathering, emphasizing the significance of understanding the immense impact and emotional toll it will have.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center quickly lifted the tsunami warning that was issued after the earthquake, as waves of up to one meter (three feet) were forecasted for certain areas of Vanuatu.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed Australia’s readiness to provide assistance.
In a statement, she emphasized the enduring bond between Vanuatu and her family, affirming their commitment to stand by the nation in times of adversity.
Vanuatu ranks among the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, storm damage, flooding, and tsunamis, as stated in the annual World Risk Report.