At least 14 people were killed and 200 injured in the earthquake that hit the Vanuatu capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday. On Wednesday, rescuers continued to search for people trapped in the ruins of houses. In total, the disaster affected up to 116 of the 330,000 citizens of this small island country.
Reuters reported that the 14 victims of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that hit the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila, include: two citizens China. More than 200 people were injured, and rescuers' efforts focused on two collapsed buildings, said Vanuatu Police Commissioner Robson Iavro, quoted by Reuters. Three people trapped in the collapsed building communicated with rescuers. “We believe there are more people trapped inside,” Iavro added.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai announced state of emergency and introduced a seven-day curfew in the areas most affected by the earthquakes. He also appealed for international help.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 56 kmand its epicenter was approximately 30 km from Port Vila. Commercial buildings and embassy seats were destroyed USAGreat Britain, France and New Zealand and a hospital.
Crushed vehicles, boulders scattered on the highway
National broadcaster VBTC broadcast footage of vehicles crushed under the rubble of collapsed buildings and boulders scattered on a highway. It also showed landslides near the shipping terminal and tents set up in front of the hospital in Port Vila, where first aid is being provided to the injured.
Search for people trapped in the ruins of houses after the earthquake in Port VilaMichael Thomson Handout/PAP/EPA
Several aftershocks, including one measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, were recorded overnight. Port Vila International Airport has been closed to commercial airlines for 72 hours to allow medical and emergency aircraft to land, Airports Vanuatu CEO Jason Rakau said.
The earthquake hit the area of Vanuatu's capital, Port VilaMichael Thomson Handout/PAP/EPA
One third of the nation suffered
About 330,000 people live in Vanuatu, located on an archipelago of 80 islands. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that 116,000 people suffered as a result of the earthquake, of which 36,000 were residents of Port Vili.
Main photo source: Michael Thomson Handout/PAP/EPA