Vanuatu's city, Port Vila, is in the midst of destruction following a strong earthquake that killed at least 14 people and left scores more missing on the Pacific island nation. Buildings were reduced to rubble, infrastructure was damaged, and much of the city was plunged into disarray by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck late Monday.
Hospitals are overflowing with injured people, while homes, businesses, and schools have been demolished in the capital. Due to the possibility of aftershocks, many locals are now sleeping outside since they are too afraid to go back to their houses.
A resident of Port Vila whose house was demolished in the earthquake, remarked, "I've never experienced anything like it." In several areas of the city, water and electricity supplies have been cut off, making rescue and relief activities even more difficult.
To recover people from the wreckage, rescue teams comprising volunteers, police, and military officials are working nonstop. Rubble is being cleared by heavy machinery, and residents are helping by forming human chains.
Vanuatu Police Force member Captain Thomas Mele stated, "We're doing everything we can, but the scale of the destruction is overwhelming." "Every hour matters. We have to act quickly to save lives.
Offers of aid have been flooding in from all across the world after the tragedy. To aid in rescue and recovery efforts, Australia and New Zealand have sent military planes laden with personnel and humanitarian materials. In the meantime, humanitarian help is being delivered on the ground by non-governmental groups like UNICEF and Oxfam.
Vanuatuans prepare for the protracted path to recovery as rescue efforts continue. Finding survivors and helping people impacted by this tragic incident continue to be their top priorities for the time being.
