In the archipelago of Vanuatu, located east of Australia, at least fourteen people have died due to a severe earthquake that occurred yesterday in the South Pacific. Approximately 200 others have sustained injuries, according to the International Red Cross.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3, with its epicenter about 30 kilometers from the coast of the capital, Port Vila, at a depth of approximately 57 kilometers. The full extent of the earthquake’s impact remains unclear, but significant damage to buildings in Port Vila is evident, with some collapsing.
Landslides have also occurred along the city’s coastline. Vanuatu police report that some homes are inaccessible to rescue workers due to the risk of collapse.
The Red Cross, along with rescue workers and volunteers, is active in the region to assist earthquake victims. Vanuatu, consisting of about 80 islands, is located approximately 1,800 kilometers from Australia’s east coast, with a population of around 330,000 people.
It is situated in the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on Earth, where earthquakes are frequent.
Source: NOS