The US Embassy building in Port Vila, Vanuatu, was severely damaged after a strong earthquake struck the area. CNN
Rescue operations are ongoing in Vanuatu following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the Pacific nation on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake primarily impacted Port Vila, the country's capital, leaving 14 people dead and over 200 injured. Among the victims were two Chinese nationals, who were confirmed dead in the aftermath.
The focus of rescue efforts has been on two collapsed buildings, with emergency responders working tirelessly to save those trapped beneath the rubble. Vanuatu’s Police Commissioner, Robson Iavro, reported that three individuals trapped in one of the collapsed structures were still in communication with rescuers, giving hope that more survivors may be found. However, Iavro also mentioned that there were likely more people still stuck inside other collapsed buildings.
Social media footage highlighted the extent of the destruction, with vehicles crushed under fallen debris, boulders scattered across highways, and landslides near Port Vila’s international shipping terminal. There was also a visible struggle for essentials, as long lines formed outside fuel stations and stores.
One local businessman, Australian Michael Thompson, shared his experience of assisting with rescue efforts. He reported helping to dig people out of the rubble overnight, rescuing three individuals, one of whom was in critical condition. Sadly, one woman who was pulled from the debris later died from her injuries, as confirmed by Iavro.
Items were left scattered on the floor after a powerful earthquake hit Port Vila, Vanuatu, on December 17, 2024. CNN
As the rescue operations continue, the earthquake has left Port Vila without power, water, or reliable communications. To address the overwhelming number of injured people, triage tents have been set up outside the capital's hospital. According to the National Disaster Management Office, around 10 buildings in the main town have sustained significant structural damage.
In addition to the collapse of buildings, the earthquake also triggered landslides, which contributed to the rising death toll. Six people died as a result of landslides, while others perished inside the Billabong building and Vila Central Hospital. Two Chinese nationals were also among the confirmed dead.
Foreign missions in the capital, including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand, were also affected, with the concrete pillars of a building housing these embassies collapsing during the quake.
The tremors did not end with the earthquake itself. Several aftershocks followed, including one measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale. Caroline Bird, an Australian who manages a resort in Port Vila, shared her experience of constant aftershocks, saying they were continuing throughout the night.
Port Vila, Vanuatu, suffered significant damage after a powerful earthquake struck the area. CNN
In response to the devastation, the caretaker Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, declared a national state of emergency and imposed a curfew in the worst-hit areas for the next seven days. International assistance is being mobilized, with teams from the United States and Australia being dispatched to provide medical aid and conduct search and rescue operations. France also contributed to the efforts, sending a military helicopter with satellite communications and engineers to assist in the recovery.
Rescue teams are working at the scene of a collapsed building in Port Vila, Vanuatu, following a strong earthquake on December 17, 2024. Getty Images
Vanuatu’s international airport has been closed to commercial flights for the next 72 hours, allowing emergency aircraft to land. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that approximately one-third of the population, or about 116,000 people, have been impacted by the earthquake.
Vanuatu, located on the "Ring of Fire," is known for being highly vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes and severe weather events.
