Vanuatu earthquake live updates: Rescue efforts continue, death toll 14, water supply cut off

Nearly 24 hours after a devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu, volunteers are still combing through the rubble to free those trapped, including two women and a child.

Rescue efforts continued as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade finally contacted two employees who had previously been missing.

The death toll rose to 14 overnight, and more than 200 people were treated for their injuries, according to the Vanuatu government.

The New Zealand Defense Force is mobilizing resources for the island nation, as attempts are made to restore power and repair damage to water supplies that have now dried up, according to the Red Cross.

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Foreign Secretary Winston Peters said a Defense Forces P8 aircraft was scheduled to fly over the worst-hit areas to assess the damage, and a C130 aircraft would attempt to land this afternoon carrying rescue teams, supplies and consular personnel.

Overnight, people were pulled alive from the rubble of collapsed buildings, giving hope to search and rescue volunteers.

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The story continues

Dickinson Tefi, Secretary-General of the Vanuatu Red Cross, told RNZ radio that two women and a child were among those trapped under the rubble.

Tefi said they were in one of the buildings “destroyed by the earthquake” and work was underway to free them.

He added that he expected there to be more people trapped under the rubble.

Large landslides make rescue efforts difficult because they close roads and hit buildings, Tevye said.

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He also expressed concern about damage to the water supply.

“Everyone is without water now, and I don’t know when they will be able to repair those tanks.”

A major search and rescue operation began yesterday afternoon and continued throughout the night. Port Vila resident Michael Thompson reported seeing three people being pulled alive, but injured, from collapsed buildings by rescue teams.

“[There have been] “Incredible displays of bravery, as people enter tight spaces to carry out rescue operations,” he said.

He added that more assistance, including heavy machinery, is needed to help comb through the rubble of buildings.

In a press conference, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlotte Salwai said that a state of emergency and curfew had been imposed in the most affected areas.

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He said they were “urgently requesting international assistance.”

Glen Craig, head of the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council, said he expected the death toll to rise as Australian and New Zealand aid arrived.

Search and rescue teams are working to find people trapped under collapsed buildings in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake. Photography/Michael Thompson

He said many buildings in the CBD were “destroyed” and they did not have the resources to examine the rubble.

“We expect this to be a mass fatality event given the fact that we cannot access some of those buildings that have collapsed.”

He said he heard reports that at least four people were killed after a building collapsed on cars, trapping people inside.

Buildings were destroyed in Port Vila when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck western Vanuatu. Photography/Michael Thompson

MFAT says the Vanuatu High Commission building suffered “severe damage” after the quake.

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“There are 45 New Zealanders registered with SafeTravel as being based in Vanuatu, although we expect there will be more who are not registered.

He added: “New Zealanders there should follow the advice of the authorities and prepare for aftershocks.”

A building shows extensive damage after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck west of Port Vila, Vanuatu.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his thoughts – and those of the New Zealand Government – are with the people of Vanuatu following the major earthquake.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and stand ready to assist,” he wrote on X.

Peters said the government was monitoring the evolving situation closely and was in contact with New Zealand's High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Nikki Symonds, and her team.

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