Australia deploys rescue teams after Vanuatu earthquake
Australia is sending urgent search and rescue teams in response to Vanuatu’s “dreadful tragedy” as the full extent of the earthquake devastation remains unclear.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia stands with the people of Vanuatu”.
“Early reports indicate that significant damage has occurred,” Wong said.
“The Australian government is preparing to deploy immediate assistance from tomorrow (Wednesday), including urban search and rescue and emergency medical teams.”
The United Nations said six people had been confirmed dead.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage inside a local mechanic’s shed shows the terrifying moments of the powerful quake, with heavy car bodies shaking and bouncing.
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Local media report that frightened locals started running to the hills in fear of a tsunami when alerts were issued (they were later lifted).
The bottom floor of the US embassy was crushed. Photo: AAP
A building housing the American, British, French and New Zealand diplomatic posts was among the worst hit, with the bottom floor of the US embassy crushed by floors above.
Remarkably, the US and other nations have reported all of their staff are safe. Others have not been so lucky.
“Many victims in the country, flights suspended, communications cut, no water or electricity, we are organising relief,” French ambassador to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, Jean-Baptiste Jeangene Vilmer, posted on social media.
In a broadcast by news outlet VBTC, caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai imposed a state of emergency for seven days, and instituted a curfew — except for essential services — from 6pm to 6am.
A flattened building in Port Vila. Photo: AAP
Those that were able to communicate with the outside world were largely able to do so through Starlink, including journalist Dan McGarry.
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“I know of one fatality, according to police stationed at Port Vila Central Hospital, and I saw with my own eyes three others on gurneys … I’m expecting the casualty figure to rise,” he said about three hours after the earthquake.
McGarry has documented landslips around the capital, including a major blockage of a key road near the country’s chief international port, in addition to destruction of buildings.
Many photos on social media show collapsed buildings, including one with crumpled cars underneath.
“People died and many more were hurt. Some have lost their home, and many will find it hard to get back to work. Repairs will likely stretch for years, as they always do in the wake of disaster,” McGarry posted on X.
“But people are pulling together as only Vanuatu knows how. We will get through this. We always do.”
Cars were crushed on the streets of Port Vila. Photo: X
More than 80 islands make up Vanuatu, and it remains unclear how the 350,000-strong population is faring in towns and settlements outside the capital.
Jeangene Vilmer said France was working with Australia and New Zealand to co-ordinate the disaster response.
The disaster also came at a moment of political turmoil in the Melanesian country.
Salwai dissolved parliament last month, setting the stage for a snap election on January 14, only for opposition MPs to mount a constitutional challenge to his move.
While a first case was dismissed by the Supreme Court last week, former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau has announced the judgment would be appealed. It was due to be heard before Christmas.
– with AAP
