An Australian businessman is being hailed as a hero for working through the night to free locals trapped under collapsed buildings after Vanuatu was leveled by a series of massive earthquakes
The Pacific island nation was hit by two massive earthquakes of magnitude 7.4 and 6.1 less than 24 hours apart, killing at least 14 people and with the death toll expected to rise sharply .
Rescue efforts are urgently underway, with survivors heard among the ruins of destroyed buildings in the capital Port Vila after the first earthquake on Tuesday afternoon.
Australian expat Michael Thompson immediately joined Vanuatu special forces and other volunteers to claw through the rubble around the clock.
“Rescue operations continue at the Billabong Building on Main Street,” Thompson revealed in an update on social media at 2.15am on Wednesday.
‘Three people were taken alive, one of whom was in a very serious condition.
“The rescue team, police, Vanuatu Mobile Police and volunteers are working late into the night, while a fourth person is showing signs of life, still trapped on the outside edge of the building.
‘Incredible display of courage with people entering confidential areas to carry out rescue operations.’
The headquarters of Thompson’s Zipline tourism company is just meters from the widespread destruction with a building housing the diplomatic posts of the United States, United Kingdom, France and New Zealand worst affected.
Michael Thompson (photo) has turned his office into a makeshift communications center
Rescuers have rescued a local woman who was found alive after being trapped under rubble
Local zipline owner Michael Thompson says there have been incredible scenes of bravery as rescuers crawled into tight spaces
Mr Thompson has been helping tirelessly since the first earthquake on Tuesday afternoon
Special forces remain on the ground searching for survivors
Mr Thompson has requested specific tools and machines to help. The photo shows Tuesday evening’s rescue operation
With almost all networks on the island down, Mr Thompson immediately set up a makeshift communications base using his Elon Musk-operated Starlink satellite network.
Within hours, he began posting regular updates to his social media accounts, relaying vital information about the devastation, providing a lifeline to hundreds of grateful locals and tourists.
“Thanks Michael, keep recording and updating us and posting what you need to, appreciate it, stay safe,” one follower wrote.
Another added: ‘This is so traumatic and devastating for everyone, thank you for being so involved and keeping up with the updates.’
Mr Thompson continued his plea for urgent help, requesting machines, batteries and water throughout the night and afternoon as they battled temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius by mid-morning.
His footage has revealed scenes of destruction, including crushed vehicles, landslides and injured victims being taken to safety or stretchered.
Critical infrastructure, including communications lines and drinking water reservoirs, has been wiped out.
The Port Vila Hospital has been seriously damaged and tents have been set up outside due to the influx of patients. There are fears that the death toll is expected to rise.
Entire buildings have been completely wiped out, with people still inside
Thompson moved to Vanuatu several years ago to open a zipline tourism business
Huge boulders have crushed and blocked roads
Tuesday’s devastating earthquake left huge potholes in the roads
Communication at various government services has also been disrupted, making it difficult to estimate the extent of the damage.
Vanuatu is a growing tourist destination; Jetstar launched its first direct flight from Sydney to Port Vila last week.
All inbound and outbound flights are currently suspended, leaving many tourists stranded.
The picturesque tropical island also welcomes up to three cruise ships from Australia and New Zealand every week.
The port is closed and the planned cruise ship dock has been canceled.
Vanuatu’s interim Prime Minister Charlot Salawi declared a seven-day state of emergency on Wednesday morning.
It includes a curfew from 6pm to 6am, except for essential services.
The small Pacific country was already reeling from the devastation of two cyclones in March last year.
Category 4 Tropical Cyclones Kevin and Judy hit Port Vila and surrounding areas, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.