Horror new footage shows the carnage and devastation in Pacific island nation after 7.3 earthquake struck leaving one person dead amid fears the death toll will climb
A frantic search for survivors is underway after a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu, killing at least one person and causing destruction on the Pacific island .
The earthquake was detected around 12.47pm on Tuesday 30km west of the capital Port Vila, a bustling tourist hotspot where several buildings have collapsed.
At least one person is dead and more casualties are expected as rescue crews and Australian volunteers dig through the rubble looking for survivors.
Footage from the rescue mission showed crushed vehicles, landslides and injured victims being pulled to safety and stretchers being transported.
Communication between various government services has been disrupted, making it difficult to estimate the extent of the damage.
Local residents reported on social media that they were shaking violently for about 30 seconds.
Broadcaster VBTC has reported a number of destroyed buildings, some of which have fallen on cars and been crumpled.
The La Casa D’Andrea E Luciano building, which houses the American, British, French and New Zealand embassies and high commissions, has been seriously damaged. Images have been posted on social media showing part of the building on the first floor having collapsed.
At least one person has been killed after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake wreaked havoc in Port Vila, Vanuatu
A number of destroyed buildings, some of which have fallen, and crumpled cars
Rescuers are racing against time without essential machinery to lift heavy debris
The Port Vila Hospital was also seriously damaged, as was the island’s main water supply.
“Several buildings have collapsed in the city,” Australian expat Michael Thompson explained in a video showing the carnage.
‘The rescue team is there now trying to get some people out, there are definitely some people in there, hopefully still alive.
‘A lot of people just walk through the streets and don’t know what to do.
“The American embassy has collapsed, the bottom floor, possibly containing the staff, has collapsed.”
Mr. Thompson, owner of a local Zipline tourist attraction, has turned his office into a makeshift communications center using his Starlink satellite phone.
“We definitely need help in Port Vila, most communications are gone,” he said.
‘We need heavy equipment and experienced personnel. We need help in Vanuatu as soon as possible.”
Vanuatu is a growing tourist destination; Jetstar launched its first direct flight from Sydney to Port Vila last week.
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.
Images from outside the building show some windows have been shattered, while other frames appear to be warped due to the impact of the earthquake (photo)
Dozens of vehicles were crushed by collapsed buildings
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck 29km west of Port Villa on Efate Island (pictured)
“I can see from the videos that the craft market and the Billabong store have been razed to the ground,” former Vanuatu resident Clint Williams told Daily Mail Australia.
‘That place is full most days with locals selling art and trinkets to holidaymakers.
‘I have often walked into those same shops with my young children and the local mums often have their own babies and children with them.
It’s just terrible to see and I’m preparing for bad news.”
Landslides are also causing access problems with several roads in and out of the city now blocked by huge boulders.
“The local network is down or patchy at best and people don’t know if their loved ones are safe. Getting in and out to help search for people and do the rescue operations is almost impossible,” Williams said.
The small Pacific nation is no stranger to natural disasters, having experienced two cyclones in March last year.
Category 4 Tropical Cyclones Kevin and Judy struck Port Vila and surrounding areas, leaving a trail of destruction.
A building housing the embassies of the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand was severely damaged
Broadcaster VBTC has reported a number of destroyed buildings, some of which have fallen on cars and been crumpled.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia stands ready to send all necessary aid to Vanuatu after what she described as a “devastating earthquake”
“We stand ready to support Vanuatu while the extent of the damage is assessed,” she posted on social media.
“Vanuatu is family and we will always be there in times of need.”
‘DFAT is seeking to confirm whether Australians in Vanuatu have been affected.’
She added that Australian High Commission staff on the island are safe.
A tsunami threat to Australia and New Zealand has been approved by authorities in both countries.