The death toll in Vanuatu is expected to rise after the earthquake pushed the country into a state of emergency Vanuatu

A second earthquake has struck Vanuatu, with the death toll rising from Tuesday's devastating quake and the launch of an international search and rescue operation.

With communications cut off, the official death toll is not yet known. But at least 14 people were reported killed and 200 treated for their injuries, according to Katie Greenwood, regional president of the Fiji-based International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, citing the government.

While the full extent of the devastation in Vanuatu remains unclear, Australia is among the countries sending aid to the earthquake-hit Pacific nation, which interim Prime Minister Charlotte Salloway has placed in a state of emergency for seven days.

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said on Wednesday that his country stands ready to provide medical, defense and humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu.

“A New Zealand military surveillance plane is scheduled to fly over Vanuatu this morning to help assess damage from the earthquake,” Peters said. “We are also offering to send an urban search and rescue team and relief supplies to Vanuatu later today, once Port Vila airport reopens,” he added.

Speaking to RNZ, Peters said it was important New Zealand and other countries came forward to help. “[Vanuatu] “It's part of our blue Pacific neighborhood…so let's see what we can do.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on X that his thoughts were with the people of Vanuatu. He added: “We are closely monitoring developments in the situation and are preparing to provide assistance.”

At lunchtime on Tuesday, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila for 30 seconds, causing devastation in the capital.

Landslides along Wharf Road in Port Vila. Photo: Dan McGarry

The German Research Center for Geosciences said that a second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 occurred on Wednesday morning.

Many photos posted on social media show collapsed buildings, and below one of them are dilapidated cars.

GPS map

“People have died and many more have been injured. Some have lost their homes, and many will find it difficult to return to work. Repairs are likely to drag on for years, as they always do in the wake of disasters,” said Dan McGarry, a journalist.

“But people are coming together, as only Vanuatu knows how to do. We will get through this. We always do.”

A car damaged in a landslide after an earthquake in Port Vila. Photo: Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock

Those who were able to communicate with the outside world were largely able to do so through Starlink, including McGarry.

About three hours after the earthquake, he said: “I know of one death according to the police stationed at Port Vila Central Hospital, and I saw with my own eyes three others on stretchers… I expect the number of victims to rise.”

McGarry has documented landslides around the capital, including a major blockage of a major road near the country's main international port, as well as the destruction of buildings.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was preparing to send immediate aid to Vanuatu today.

Speaking in London, she said Australia would send emergency medical teams and urban search and rescue units to the island. A helpline has been set up to help Australians who may be caught up in the disaster.

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“We will provide any assistance required. I say to the people of Vanuatu, you are family and Australia is here to help.”

The building, which houses the diplomatic missions of the United States, the United Kingdom, France and New Zealand, was among the most damaged buildings, as the lower floor of the American embassy was crushed by the upper floors.

Collapsed building in Port Vila. Photography: Michael Thompson/EPA

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told news outlet Stuff there are 58 New Zealanders registered as being in Vanuatu, but there may be more who are not registered.

The Ministry was not aware of any New Zealand citizens being injured or killed in the disaster. Peters confirmed that local staff were not inside the New Zealand High Commission building – which sustained significant damage – at the time of the earthquake.

The French ambassador to Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, Jean-Baptiste Jangin Filmer, posted on social media: “Many casualties in the country, flights have been stopped, communications have been cut off, water and electricity have been cut off, and we are organizing relief.”

In a broadcast on news outlet VBTC, interim Prime Minister Salwai issued a seven-day state of emergency, imposing a curfew – except for essential services – from 6pm to 6am.

The damaged American embassy. Photo: Anadolu/Getty Images

Vanuatu consists of more than 80 islands, and it is also unclear how the 350,000 people live in towns and settlements outside the capital.

Jengen Filmer said France was working with Australia and New Zealand to coordinate the response to the disaster.

The disaster also occurred during a period of political turmoil in the Melanesian state.

Salwai dissolved parliament last month, paving the way for early elections on January 14, but opposition lawmakers filed a constitutional challenge to his move.

While the Supreme Court dismissed the first case last week, former Prime Minister Ismail Kalsakau announced they would appeal that ruling – which was due to be heard before Christmas.

– With the Australian Associated Press and Reuters

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