Another earthquake struck Vanuatuas a deadly toll rises from Mars’ deadly movement and has procured an international search and rescue operation.
Communications released, the public death toll was not yet known. But at least 14 people were killed and 200 were treated for injuries, according to Katie Greenwood, the Fiji-based regional head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, citing the government.
While the extent of the devastation in Vanuatu remains unclear, Australia is among the countries planning earthquake relief for the Pacific nation, which has been placed under a seven-day state of emergency by Prime Minister Charlotte Salwai.
New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Winston Peters said on Wednesday that the country is on standby to provide medical, defense and humanitarian aid to Vanuatu.
“A New Zealand military surveillance plane is due to fly over Vanuatu this morning to help with earthquake damage,” said Peter. “We are also offering to send urban search and rescue teams and supplies to Vanuatu later today, once the airport in Port Vila has reopened.”
Speaking as RNZ *Peters said New Zealand and other countries had received critical support. “[Vanuatu] it’s part of our blue pacific continent neighborhood…let’s see what we can do.
After 10, New Zealand’s prime minister, Christopher Luxon, said his thoughts were with the people of Vanuatu. “We are monitoring developments closely and are ready to help,” he said.
At lunchtime on Tuesday, a 7.3 magnitude repulsed Port Vila? for 30 seconds, to be deleted in the head.
A second earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck on Wednesday morning, the German Research Center for Geosciences said.
Many photos on social media show collapsed buildings, along with wrecked cars underneath.
“People have died and many others have been injured. Some have lost their homes, many have difficulty returning to work. Repairs will likely take years, as they always do in the event of a disaster,” Dan McGarry, a journalist, said.
“But people contract as only Vanuatu knows how. by this we shall obtain Make us always.”
Those who could communicate with the outsider could mostly do so through Starlink, including McGarry.
“I know of one fate at the second station in Port Vila’s central hospital, and I saw three others on gurneys with my own eyes… I am waiting for the case of the figure to rise,” he said about three hours after the earthquake.
McGarry documented land around the capital, a major road closure near the country’s international port, in addition to the destruction of buildings.
Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, said the government was preparing to deploy immediate aid to Vanuatu today.
A spokesman in London said Australia would send medical aid and urban search and rescue units to the island. Aid is to help Australians who may be caught in a disaster.
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“We will provide whatever assistance is required. I mean Vanuatu, you are a family, and Australia is here to help,” he said.
Buildings housing the United States, France and New Zealand diplomatic missions were among the worst hit, with floors above the US embassy collapsed.
New Zealanders have registered in Vanuatu, but there may be more who are not registered, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told the news outlet. stuff
The ministry did not know if any New Zealanders were injured or killed in the disaster, but two members of the ministry said their injuries remain unaccounted for. Peters confirmed members of the local staff employed were not inside the New Zealand High Commission building – which suffered significant damage at the time of the earthquake.
“We have organized many victims in the country, flights suspended, communications cut, no water or electricity,” the French ambassador to Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, Jean-Baptiste Jeangene Vilmer, posted on social media.
In a VBTC news release, caretaker prime minister Salwai declared a state of emergency for seven days, and instituted a curfew, except for essential services, from 6pm to 6am.
More than 80 islands make up Vanuatu, and it is also uncertain how the 350,000-strong population will fare in towns and settlements outside the city.
Jeangene Vilmer said France, Australia and New Zealand were working to coordinate the disaster response.
The disaster also occurred at a time of political upheaval in the Melanesian region.
Salwai dissolved parliament last month, setting the stage for a snap election on January 14, with only opposition MPs to mount a constitutional challenge to his motion.
When the first case was dismissed by the Supreme Court last week, former Prime Minister Ismael Kalsakau announced that he would appeal the decision, which was due to be heard before Christmas.
– with the Australian Associated Press and Reuters