Buildings Damaged and Casualties Reported as Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu

Injured people have been arriving at hospitals on the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu after a powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck just off its coast on Tuesday, causing significant damage to buildings and triggering landslides.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremor was centered near Port Vila, Vanuatu’s largest city, at a depth of 35 miles (56km) below the earth’s surface. The initial quake was followed by a 5.5-magnitude aftershock in the same area, with tremors continuing to be felt throughout the afternoon and evening local time.
Widespread Damage and Communication Disruption
The quake disrupted communication networks across Vanuatu, an island nation of around 330,000 people spread across 80 islands, making official reports scarce. However, witness accounts and videos on social media began to surface, showing the extent of the devastation.
Footage posted online revealed extensive structural damage to buildings, vehicles crushed under collapsed awnings, and roads obstructed by landslides. Products were scattered across shop floors, and debris could be seen spilling from walls onto the ground.
A building in Port Vila housing several diplomatic missions, including those of the United States, Britain, France, and New Zealand, was significantly damaged. New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed they were in the process of accounting for staff at their High Commission. The US Embassy announced its office closure “until further notice” via its Facebook page. Videos circulating online showed buckled windows, damaged walls, and large chunks of debris surrounding the site.
Landslides and Hospitals Overwhelmed
Aerial footage posted by journalist Dan McGarry showed a “massive” landslide at Port Vila’s international shipping terminal, adding to the challenges faced by emergency responders. Mr. McGarry, reporting outside Vila Central Hospital, described chaotic scenes as doctors worked tirelessly at an outdoor triage center to treat injured individuals.
“I saw three people on gurneys in obvious distress,” Mr. McGarry said, citing a police officer’s report of at least one death. He added that the airport runway had also sustained damage, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.
The Nation’s Limited Capacity to Respond
Vanuatu, a country prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is not well-equipped for large-scale mass casualty events. With hospitals already overwhelmed, medical staff are struggling to manage the influx of injured people.
Local authorities and international observers are working to assess the full extent of the damage, but challenges such as limited infrastructure, disrupted communications, and damaged roads are hampering response efforts.
Conclusion
The earthquake has once again highlighted the vulnerability of small island nations like Vanuatu to natural disasters. As emergency services scramble to restore order and aid victims, the global community watches with concern.
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source by sky news