Vanuatu Faces Heartbreaking Aftermath of 7.3 Quake as Rescue Efforts Intensify

Rescue efforts are intensifying in Vanuatu following a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that shook Port Vila on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 14 lives. The quake has left a trail of destruction, with aftershocks continuing to rattle the region, including a significant 5.2 magnitude tremor that rocked the area on Thursday morning. As rescue teams mobilize, a specialist group comprising firefighters, volunteer doctors, and engineers was set to arrive in Port Vila last night with 10 tonnes of crucial equipment. Unfortunately, their mission was interrupted when the Defence Force reported an engine fire warning on their aging Hercules aircraft, forcing them to divert to Noumea in New Caledonia. In response, a second aircraft is scheduled to depart this morning to retrieve the stranded crew and facilitate their much-needed arrival in Vanuatu. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for additional flights, including a new Hercules carrying foreign affairs personnel and a Boeing 757 tasked with evacuating stranded tourists. The primary objective remains the preservation of life, and upon reaching the disaster zone, the rescue teams plan to deploy drones to assess the extent of the damage and identify areas in need of immediate help. In an interview with RNZ's Morning Report, a spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining composure during this challenging time. The team comprised experienced professionals skilled in urban search and rescue, with backgrounds in both local and international disaster response efforts, including those who participated in the Christchurch earthquake recovery. The Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has expressed its commitment to remain in Vanuatu for at least 14 days to provide continued support. Glen Craig, chair of the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council, provided updates on the situation, estimating that the death toll could reach between 20 to 25 individuals as search and rescue operations continue. The precise number of casualties is difficult to ascertain, particularly concerning those trapped in collapsed buildings or caught in the aftermath of significant landslides. Local rescue teams have concentrated their efforts on two collapsed structures in the city center, including a two-story building and a five-story building that poses significant challenges for local capabilities. Craig highlighted the urgent need for external assistance, stating, "We're trying to do as much as we can. We're not geared for a building to collapse—and it's just devastating from that point of view." The situation is further complicated by the strain on local hospitals, which are struggling to cope with the influx of injured individuals. While power and electricity have been restored, communication lines remain problematic, hindering coordination efforts. As the rescue and recovery operations unfold, the resilience and determination of the Vanuatu community, supported by international aid, are vital in navigating through this heartbreaking crisis.