A magnitude 6 earthquake struck the Vanuatu Islands early this morning, following a magnitude 7.3 earthquake yesterday near the capital Port Vila.
Urgent rescue efforts are underway to find survivors trapped under the rubble of yesterday’s disaster, which killed at least six people and caused widespread destruction across the Pacific island nation.
Footage from the rescue mission yesterday showed scenes of destruction, including crushed vehicles, landslides and injured victims being moved to safety or on stretchers.
Critical infrastructure, including communications lines and drinking water reservoirs, has been badly damaged as rescue teams race to find survivors.
The Port Vila Hospital has been seriously damaged and tents have been set up outside due to an influx of patients and serious fears that the death toll is expected to rise.
The situation has been made worse by a magnitude 6 earthquake recorded by Geoscience Australia this morning.
“Immediate response efforts are underway as humanitarian partners and authorities work to overcome access and communication challenges,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a situation update.
It is estimated that more than 116,000 people are affected by the earthquake. Australia is sending search and rescue teams and medical personnel to assist with recovery efforts.
At least one person has been killed after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake wreaked havoc in Port Vila, Vanuatu
Dozens of vehicles were crushed by collapsed buildings
Jo-Anna and Tim Kafer, Australian residents living in a remote village in Vanuatu, shared their first-hand account of yesterday’s earthquake.
“We’ve lived here for six years and this was by far the biggest earthquake we’ve had,” she told News Breakfast.
“I saw my house jumping up and down, I stood there in shock and then I thought I had to duck under the table, which is a strong table,” Jo-Anna said.
“And then I saw my bookcase, which was chained to the top of the wall, dancing on the floor… and everything just fell to the floor.
Her husband was outside when the earthquake struck.
“I heard this sound and I thought it was like an earthquake coming, and then the whole ground acts like we believe wobbly waves,” he said.
‘I had trouble getting up and walking to the house was very, very difficult.
“All I heard was the banging and collapsing of the house.”
Broadcaster VBTC has reported a number of destroyed buildings, some of which have fallen on cars and been crumpled.
Vanuatu’s interim Prime Minister Charlot Salawi declared a seven-day state of emergency on Wednesday morning.
It includes a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong confirmed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is assisting Australians in Vanuatu.
“DFAT is aware of a number of Australians present in the affected region and is providing consular assistance to those in need,” a statement from the minister’s office said.
“Australians requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government’s 24-hour Emergency Consular Center (+61 6 261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).”