Death Toll from Vanuatu Earthquake Increases as Rescue Operations Persist
Vanuatu’s earthquake has led to 14 confirmed deaths and extensive structural damage. Search and rescue efforts are underway, with international assistance being mobilized. A seven-day state of emergency has been declared as communities grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
The recent earthquake in Vanuatu has resulted in a rising death toll, now standing at 14 individuals, as intensive rescue missions continue to sift through the debris for survivors. The quake, which occurred on Tuesday, inflicted severe damage on numerous structures, including foreign embassies, and led to widespread disruptions in power and communication services. Vanuatu police have announced a seven-day state of emergency to facilitate organized search and relief operations.
The fatalities include four individuals who succumbed to injuries sustained from a collapsed building, while six others perished due to a landslide. Tragically, two victims were identified as Chinese nationals, as confirmed by Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Li Minggang. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that up to 116,000 individuals may be impacted by the earthquake’s aftermath.
To assist in the ongoing relief efforts, neighboring Australia has pledged to send support teams, with additional aid being promised by the United States and France. Rescuers, utilizing equipment such as jackhammers and grinders, are actively searching the remnants of structures for survivors, with reports indicating that voices have been heard from the debris of a collapsed three-story building.
Damage assessments indicate that at least 10 buildings in Port Vila experienced significant structural compromises. Following the earthquake, many businesses in the area have closed, resulting in debris-strewn streets and individuals scouring for essential resources. The earthquake struck at 12:47 PM local time, triggering a momentary tsunami alert, underscoring Vanuatu’s vulnerability given its geographical location within a seismically active zone of the Pacific.
Vanuatu is an archipelago consisting of approximately 80 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Fiji and northeast of Australia. The region is known for its geological activity and is prone to frequent seismic events, including significant earthquakes. The recent earthquake exacerbated the existing vulnerabilities faced by the country due to its location, which is characterized by natural disasters such as landslides and tsunamis. The international community’s response, including assistance from neighboring countries, reflects the urgent need for humanitarian aid in the wake of such disasters.
The earthquake in Vanuatu serves as a stark reminder of the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters, illustrating the immediate need for emergency response and recovery efforts. With a confirmed death toll of 14 and many individuals potentially impacted, the coordinated rescue operations remain a priority. The commitment from neighboring nations to provide assistance underscores the solidarity and support necessary in times of crisis, as Vanuatu navigates this challenging situation.
Original Source: news.az
