Rescue Teams Unite in Vanuatu’s Heartbreaking Hunt for Survivors After Quake

As the search and rescue efforts continue in Vanuatu following the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake, the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from New Zealand remains resolute in their mission to locate potential survivors amid the wreckage of collapsed buildings. The catastrophic event has already claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals, with over 200 others reported injured, as confirmed by Vanuatu's president on Thursday night. The focal point of their efforts is the Billabong building in Port Vila, which pancaked during the quake. The New Zealand team has joined forces with their Australian counterparts, who had arrived on the scene a day earlier. The collaborative effort has borne some fruit, with rescuers successfully pulling seven survivors from the debris thus far. However, there remain grave concerns as up to eight people are believed to be trapped in another structure. Brendan Nally, deputy national commander of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, stated the team is wholly dedicated to finding any remaining survivors. Their strategy involves a meticulous and methodical approach to clearing the rubble, balancing advanced technology with traditional rescue techniques. “We’ve got all that high-tech gear, but we still do the really old school thing—everyone's quiet, stop and listen. Listen for knocking and possible signs of life,” Nally explained. The USAR team draws from their extensive experience responding to disasters such as the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes. Nally elaborated on the complexities of the search operation, explaining how the collapse of buildings creates layers of debris that require careful deconstruction. “It's a de-layering job—lifting the floors and the walls off, up and out of the rubble pile and then looking for persons, trapped or otherwise,” he noted. In addition to their primary rescue operations, the team is also addressing other critical challenges caused by the earthquake. Members have been involved in clearing a landslide blocking the main port and assisting in stabilizing the High Commission building, which, although evacuated during the quake, poses risks of further collapse due to aftershocks. While the situation remains dire, the determination of the search and rescue teams shines through in their relentless pursuit of hope against the backdrop of tragedy. Each moment spent listening for signs of life amidst the ruins underscores the commitment to a mission that is as much about humanity as it is about survival. As the days progress, the hope for more miraculous rescues continues to fuel the efforts of those working tirelessly in the rubble of Vanuatu.