Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Devastates Port Vila, Vanuatu: Rescue Teams in Action

Soldier standing next to a collapsed building following an earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu Dec 17, 2024 Photo: EFE

December 17, 2024 Hour: 6:20 pm

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday, causing severe damage to infrastructure and raising growing concerns for the safety of residents.

The earthquake, which occurred at 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT), had its epicenter about 30 kilometers west of the city and was 57.1 kilometers deep beneath the sea floor, according to reports from the United States Geological Survey. The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) later raised the magnitude of the quake to 7.4.

Images broadcast by local television station VBTC show chaos in the streets, with dozens of people being transported to Vila Central Hospital in vans and private vehicles, while others were carried in their arms due to the severity of their injuries. Roads have been blocked by landslides, and many buildings have suffered significant damage, including destroyed vehicles.

Thinking of everyone in #Vanuatu after the devastating earthquake.

The @WHO team is assisting staff at the Vila Central Hospital to offer immediate health support, and working with the Health Ministry to coordinate the overall health response. pic.twitter.com/Ij7RccIGRV
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) December 17, 2024

At least one fatality has been confirmed so far; however, reports from Katie Greenwood, head of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) Pacific Delegation, suggest that the number could be as high as six. The situation is complicated by cuts in communication services, making it difficult to coordinate rescue efforts and fully assess the damage.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a team to assist Vila Central Hospital and the Ministry of Health in their emergency response actions.

Rescue teams continue to work diligently among the rubble to search for potential casualties and provide care for the wounded.