Vanuatu earthquake death toll rises to 14, rescue teams search for survivors Earthquake News
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the 7.3-magnitude earthquake affected one-third of the population.
Rescue workers in Vanuatu are racing to locate survivors of a powerful earthquake that has killed at least 14 people in the Pacific island nation.
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the capital Port Vila on Tuesday, reducing buildings to rubble, causing landslides and damaging power and telecommunications infrastructure.
Katie Greenwood, Asia Pacific head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said on Wednesday that authorities had confirmed 14 deaths, with 200 others being treated for injuries at the main hospital in Port Vila.
Dan McGarry, a Canadian-born journalist who has lived in Vanuatu for more than 20 years, said it was a “reasonable expectation” that the death toll would rise further.
“I’m worried that this is going to increase and the government expects the number of deaths to increase, if not the number of deaths,” McGarry told Al Jazeera.
McGarry said rescue workers were searching for people who may be trapped under debris or debris.
“We also have people who may have been trapped under a very large landslide near our international shipping terminal. “We know that six people have been confirmed dead in that area so far.”
Australia and New Zealand have announced the deployment of medical and rescue teams from Wednesday to provide assistance.
“Australia stands with the people of Vanuatu following yesterday’s devastating earthquake. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the people of that wonderful, beautiful country, especially after the tragic loss of life there,” Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said at a news conference on Wednesday.
“We know from initial reports that there has been significant damage, and at the request of the Government of Vanuatu, we are deploying immediate assistance today.”
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it estimated that a third of the archipelago’s population of about 335,000 people was affected by the worst effects of the earthquake.
“Telecommunications are disrupted and the timeliness of field reports from remote areas is being affected,” the UN office said in a situation update.
“Access to the airport and water port is severely limited due to road damage. Major immediate needs include health care assistance, shelter, access to clean water, and restoration of emergency communications.
Michael Thompson, an Australian citizen who runs a zip line adventure business in Vanuatu, said in a post on Facebook that he was assisting in rescue efforts and that three people were found alive in the debris overnight.
“Incredible display of bravery with people entering confined spaces to rescue people,” Thompson wrote.
A complex housing the diplomatic missions of Britain, France, New Zealand and the United States was among the buildings that suffered severe damage, with part of the structure collapsed and the first floor leveled.
McGarry said that because of the close-knit community of the archipelago, the brunt of the disaster will be felt by practically everyone.
“Everyone knows everyone, so we feel the human toll here really high. Probably more than other places,” McGarry said.
McGarry said, however, that people in Vanuatu have extensive experience with natural disasters such as cyclones and were largely calm despite the human toll.
“Despite the humanitarian loss, the mood here has generally been very positive. People are being very cooperative, they’re being patient with each other,” McGarry said.
“There is still a very strong spirit of cooperation in Vanuatu society,” he said.
