An earthquake of 7.3 magnitude that hit Vanuatu claimed the lives of at least 14 people and wounded hundreds more, causing widespread damage across the South Pacific nation, the officials reported early Wednesday.
The earthquake occurred on Tuesday afternoon, and prompted rescuers to work through the night to help people come out from the rubble and debris.The earthquake centered 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Port Vila and hit a depth of 57 kilometers (35 miles.
As per the reports, at least 10 large buildings and three bridges have been vandalised. The National Disaster Management Office reported that, Water and power were down across the Port Villa.
The Red Cross reported early Wednesday that the quake had claimed 14 lives and widespread damage to telecommunications and other infrastructure impeded. The Asia- Pacific head of the International Federation of Red Cross’ Katie while speaking to the Associated Press from Fiji said, it is still not clear how many people are missing.
As reported by Clement Chipokolo, world Vision’s country director for Vanuatu said, Vila Central Hospital was overwhelmed. Additionally, some villages experienced landslides.
A building that housed several diplomatic missions in Port Vila including those of the United States, Britain, France and New Zealand. A section of the building was damaged, with a section of building flattening the first floor.However, the US Embassy’s Facebook page reported that all staff were safe.
Prime Minister Charlot Salwai said to the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation that a state of emergency was announced and a curfew was imposed between 6 pm and 6 am in the worst hit areas. The airport was closed to commercial flights reportedly for 72 hours, however, the humanitarian flights were permitted to land.
