Vanuatu Struck by Second Major Quake as Recovery Efforts Struggle Amid Destruction

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu early Sunday morning, compounding the devastation felt in the region just days after a powerful 7.3-magnitude quake killed 12 people and caused significant destruction. The tremor struck at 2:30 am local time (1530 GMT Saturday) at a depth of 40 kilometers, approximately 30 kilometers west of the capital, Port Vila. The aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake left the main island of Efate in a state of disarray, with concrete buildings reduced to rubble and landslides obstructing rescue efforts. The recent quake, while lower in magnitude, has not alleviated the challenges faced by emergency services, as mobile networks remain largely offline, complicating communications in and out of the country. Following the catastrophic events of the week, Vanuatu has declared a seven-day state of emergency, which includes a night-time curfew. Officials had only lifted a suspension on commercial flights the day before the latest quake, aiming to revive the crucial tourism sector that constitutes about a third of the nation's economy. However, the series of earthquakes has already disrupted water supplies and halted operations at the capital’s main shipping port, further complicating recovery efforts. As of Friday, rescue teams, including over 100 personnel from Australia and New Zealand, have been working tirelessly to locate and assist trapped individuals, deploying specialized equipment and trained dogs to aid their search. Douglas May, leader of Australia’s rescue team, reported that there are “several major collapse sites” within the city, where structures have completely collapsed, as well as numerous smaller sites of destruction scattered throughout the region. Rescue operations have primarily focused on two critical areas in Port Vila. One is a four-storey building that housed a supermarket, hotel, and garage in the northern part of the city, where the ground floor has been entirely flattened. The other area of concern is a two-story shopping block in the central district that has also crumbled under the seismic forces. The United Nations has indicated that more than 1,000 people have been displaced due to the initial quake, many of whom have sought refuge with other families or are currently residing in evacuation centers. As rescue efforts continue, the plight of those affected remains urgent, with calls for international support and assistance becoming increasingly vital. Vanuatu, an archipelago of approximately 320,000 residents, is situated in the Pacific's quake-prone Ring of Fire, a region notorious for its seismic activity. As the nation grapples with the dual aftershocks of natural disasters and the ensuing humanitarian crisis, the resilience of its people will be put to the test in the days and weeks to come.