Rescue operations for survivors of the devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that hit Vanuatu have been stepped up, with rescuers widening their search into "numerous places of collapse" beyond the capital, Port Vila. Tuesday's earthquake has left a grim trail of destruction, claiming at least ten lives, according to figures released by the United Nations' humanitarian affairs office.
Among the confirmed deaths are two Chinese and one French, their respective embassies have confirmed. The natural disaster has left around 80,000 people directly affected in the Pacific island nation of about 320,000 residents. Alarmingly, more than 14,000 of those affected are children, highlighting the severe humanitarian consequence of this tragedy.
Widespread Damage and Disruption
The powerful earthquake knocked down concrete buildings and houses in Port Vila, caused landslides, and seriously disrupted power and water supplies. Water supplies have been damaged, mobile networks rendered inoperable, and the capital's main shipping port has been shut down. Commercial flights also have been suspended, making it more difficult to get in supplies and assess damage in areas away from the capital.
Rescuers are now racing against time, combing through debris and widening their search to areas east and west of Port Vila. The leader of Australia's 69-strong rescue team, Douglas May, said they were facing "several major collapse sites where buildings are fully pancaked," alongside smaller-scale collapses scattered across the affected areas.
Focus on Disaster Zones
In Port Vila, two major disaster zones have drawn the most attention from rescue teams. The first is a four-story building that housed a supermarket, hotel, and garage, where the ground floor was completely flattened. The second is a two-floor shopping block that collapsed into a heap of rubble, leaving rescuers working tirelessly to uncover possible survivors.
International Aid and Support
In response to the crisis, Australia and New Zealand have mobilized more than 100 personnel equipped with rescue gear, search dogs, and critical aid supplies. This international assistance has been crucial in addressing the immediate needs of affected communities and providing hope to families still awaiting news of their loved ones.
A Nation in the Ring of Fire
Located within the seismically active Ring of Fire of the Pacific, Vanuatu is no stranger to earthquakes. But the most recent quake has also been a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by nations in this region. Search and rescue efforts continue amidst an enduring focus on saving lives and starting the long process of recovery among the resolute people of Vanuatu.
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