Vanuatu, an island nation, has been struck by a devastating earthquake, possibly the strongest in years. The 7.3-magnitude quake hit the region on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Witnesses reported buildings collapsing, roads blocked by landslides, and hospitals overwhelmed with reports of injuries and possible casualties. The epicenter of the quake was located 18 miles west of the capital, Port Vila, triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted. However, the aftermath of the disaster continues to unfold as power outages and communication failures hinder efforts to assess the full extent of the damage, leaving residents in a state of fear and uncertainty amidst ongoing aftershocks.
Journalist Dan McGarry, who is based in Port Vila, recounted hearing of a death outside Vila Central Hospital and witnessing individuals in distress. Medical personnel were working tirelessly at a triage center, but the nation was ill-equipped to handle a mass casualty event. Videos and reports showed damaged buildings, including a multi-story structure that had collapsed, as well as a building housing diplomatic missions that suffered significant harm. Fortunately, embassy staff were reported safe.
The U.S. Embassy and Australia’s foreign ministry confirmed the safety of their personnel, despite structural damages to their respective buildings. The U.S. Embassy had recently opened in July as part of efforts to expand its Pacific presence. The aftermath of the quake also caused landslides, blocked roads, and impeded recovery efforts, with reports of a massive landslide at the international shipping terminal and damage to the airport’s runway. Flights were grounded, with airlines canceling or delaying scheduled flights pending updates on the airport’s status.
Officials and aid organizations expressed concerns about potential casualties and the challenges ahead for Port Vila. The situation remains fluid as rescue and recovery operations continue in the wake of this tragic event.
Efforts would be made to offer any necessary assistance. Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, expressed his concern regarding the situation in Vanuatu, where 45 New Zealanders were reported to be present. The New Zealand government emphasized its deep concern for the ongoing situation. Vanuatu has witnessed a series of leadership changes, with four different prime ministers assuming office in the span of just four years. The country is on the brink of a snap election scheduled for January. In a strategic move, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai requested President Nikenike Vurobaravu to dissolve Parliament, thereby avoiding a potential no-confidence vote similar to what his predecessors had encountered in the past.
Vanuatu is no stranger to natural disasters, having faced the devastating impact of cyclones and volcanic eruptions in the past. The country’s geographical location, situated on a subduction zone where the Indo-Australia tectonic plate subducts beneath the Pacific Plate, exposes it to frequent earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 6. Consequently, Vanuatu has implemented stringent building regulations to ensure structural resilience against earthquake-related damages.
The contributions from the Associated Press have further shed light on the challenging circumstances faced by Vanuatu and its resilient population.
