7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Vanuatu, Killing 14 and Leaving Thousands Affected

International Desk

18 Dec 2024, 09:24

Photo: AFP

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday, causing widespread devastation. At least 14 people have been killed, and over 50 others injured, according to local media and the United Nations. The earthquake also damaged two main water reservoirs and a hospital, leaving critical infrastructure compromised.

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Scenes of Destruction
The national broadcaster, VBTC, aired harrowing footage of vehicles crushed under debris from collapsed buildings and boulders blocking major highways. Drone footage revealed landslides near a shipping terminal, underscoring the scale of the disaster. Security camera recordings captured the moment of the quake, showing people fleeing in panic as cars rocked violently.

State of Emergency Declared
Caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency on Tuesday evening and announced a seven-day curfew in the worst-affected areas. He described the event as a “sad and devastating time” for Port Vila and expressed condolences to families who had lost loved ones. The government has requested international assistance to cope with the disaster.

Rescue Efforts Underway
Search and rescue teams worked tirelessly into the night to locate survivors trapped under rubble. A police official confirmed ongoing rescue operations in the capital. Port Vila’s hospital reported significant damage, with its operating theatre rendered inoperable. Emergency triage tents have been set up outside to manage the influx of patients.

Widespread Impact
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 116,000 people have been affected by the earthquake. The disruption of communication lines delayed coordination with the National Disaster Management Office until Tuesday evening, when Starlink satellite services were deployed to restore connectivity.

Global Responses and Support
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Australia is preparing to send urban search and rescue teams, along with emergency medical personnel, to assist. New Zealand’s High Commission building in Port Vila, which houses multiple foreign missions, sustained significant damage, including the U.S., British, and French embassies. The U.S. Embassy spokesperson confirmed that all personnel had safely evacuated, though the building suffered "considerable damage."

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed his condolences on social media, calling the disaster “a tragedy that has claimed lives and devastated families in Vanuatu.” Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland also voiced concern over the extensive damage and loss of life.

Aftershocks and Tsunami Concerns
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). Several aftershocks, some strong enough to be felt in Port Vila, followed the initial quake. While a tsunami warning was initially issued, it was later canceled by the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.

Political Context
Vanuatu’s government is currently in caretaker mode ahead of national elections, following the recent dissolution of parliament. This has added to the challenges of responding effectively to the crisis.

A Nation in Mourning
The earthquake has left a lasting scar on Vanuatu’s capital, with thousands reeling from the destruction. As rescue efforts continue and international aid begins to arrive, the resilience of the Vanuatu people will be tested in the days ahead.

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