A Jacksonville man remembers the chaos during the Vanuatu earthquake

WELLINGTON – Vanuatu, a group of islands in the South Pacific, is famous for its beauty and its role in World War II as an American military base. But this week became the scene of a devastating tragedy.

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck, killing at least 14 people and injuring more than 200, many of whom remain missing. The devastation has been enormous, but the resilience of local people and international aid is beginning to give hope.

A Jacksonville man described to News4JAX what it was like when the quake hit.

Related: 14 dead and hundreds injured in a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu. Some people are trapped under the rubble

“There was no warning or anything,” said Alex Pippins, who was in Vanuatu doing construction work at the time of the quake. “I was actually driving over the bridge when it happened, and it felt like my left rear tire had blown out.”

Bibbins and his construction team rushed to help wherever they could, from transporting supplies to clearing roads. However, challenges remain with roads being closed and buildings reduced to rubble.

“We are grateful that the Australians have begun airlifting a range of supplies,” Pippins said, but he knows more help is urgently needed.

One of Pippins' work friends was also nearby when the deadly quake struck.

“One of my work friends who was actually downtown said a few people died in one of the anchor stores there,” Pippins said.

The interior of a damaged building is shown in Port Vila, Vanuatu, following a strong earthquake on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. (Tim Cutler via AP)

Such stories highlight the human cost of the disaster.

Rescue teams are still working around the clock to find survivors, digging through the rubble while aid flows. Australia was leading the mission, sending military planes loaded with food, water and medical supplies. The Pacific Humanitarian Team is also coordinating relief efforts as rescuers race against time.

For Pippins, leaving the island is not easy. The damage to the airport led to the suspension of flights.

“They say [flights] “He may come back on Saturday, or maybe Sunday.”

As Vanuatu begins to rebuild, the outpouring of international support and the strength of its people offer some hope.

The interior of a damaged building is shown in Port Vila, Vanuatu, following a strong earthquake on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. (Tim Cutler via AP)

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