Vanuatu Rallies as Earthquake Devastates Island, International Aid Boosts Rescue Efforts

Rescue efforts are intensifying in Vanuatu following a devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck off the main island on Tuesday, leaving at least nine people dead and causing widespread destruction. As the country grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, international assistance is pouring in, with rescue teams from Australia and New Zealand mobilizing to support local efforts. On Thursday, military transport planes from Australia and New Zealand began delivering over 100 personnel, rescue equipment, and dogs trained for search operations to Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila. The urgency of the situation was underscored by officials who warned that the death toll, currently at nine, is likely to rise as rescue teams continue to sift through the rubble of collapsed buildings. Eyewitness accounts and photographs from the scene depict a harrowing landscape, with rescuers using mechanical diggers to navigate the flattened remains of multi-storey concrete structures. The search operations are concentrated on two significant buildings that have completely collapsed, as local authorities and civilians alike rush to locate survivors amidst the chaos. Glen Craig, a representative from the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council, expressed both grief and determination. "We know people are trapped and some have been rescued, and there have also been fatalities," he told AFP, sharing the personal loss of a friend in the disaster. He emphasized the need to focus on the broader community, stating, "I have also got to think about the other 300,000 people in Vanuatu." The Vanuatu government has declared a seven-day state of emergency, implementing a nightly curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM to maintain order during this critical period. In addition to the human cost, the quake has inflicted significant infrastructural damage, impacting more than 10 buildings, including the main hospital, and disrupting essential services such as water supply and communications. The international response includes a 64-person disaster response team from Australia, equipped with specialized personnel and medical support, alongside 37 experts from New Zealand predominantly focused on search and rescue operations. Reports indicate that two of the deceased were Chinese citizens and one was French, prompting responses from their respective embassies. As the search for survivors continues, concerns are also emerging regarding the economic implications of the disaster. With Vanuatu heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture for its economy, Craig highlighted the urgent need to restore normalcy. He noted the importance of reopening the airport for commercial flights, stating, "We can't have an economic disaster on top of a natural disaster." Local resorts are using generators to provide services, with hopes of welcoming tourists back as soon as next week. Craig reported that while some properties sustained minor damages, the situation remains manageable, indicating an eagerness to resume operations. The toll of the earthquake is further compounded by landslides that have obstructed airfields on surrounding islands, raising alarm about food supplies. Emergency doctor Basil Leodoro reported that injuries have primarily been confined to the main island, including open fractures and soft tissue injuries. He is coordinating medical assistance from neighboring Fiji and the Solomon Islands to relieve local medical teams. As Vanuatu faces the dual challenges of recovery and rebuilding, the resilience of its people stands out amid the crisis. The international community's response is crucial as the nation navigates the path toward recovery, offering hope and solidarity during this difficult time.