Vanuatu appeals for international support following earthquake disaster
(VOVWORLD) - Vanuatu has called for the United Nations’ assistance following a devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck the country a day earlier, prompting the government to declare a seven-day state of emergency, along with a curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM.
 People evacuate after an earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu, December 17, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that it is mobilizing resources with its partners to respond to the crisis. However, operations at Port Vila's international airport are delayed due to damage to the terminal and roads, though the runway remains operational. Access to seaports has also been disrupted by landslides, limiting the transportation of essential supplies.
Several countries have sent support teams to Vanuatu. Over 100 personnel from Australia and New Zealand, along with rescue equipment, search dogs, and relief supplies, arrived in Port Vila via military transport aircraft. French rescue teams have also joined efforts to search for survivors in a collapsed building. Local residents and support teams in Vanuatu are actively involved in search and rescue operations. As many individuals remain trapped under the rubble, the exact number of casualties is still unknown. The earthquake has caused significant economic damage.