A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, on Tuesday, leaving at least six dead and over 50 injured, according to local authorities and international agencies. The powerful quake caused widespread destruction, including damage to two water reservoirs, a hospital, and significant infrastructure.
The national broadcaster aired visuals of vehicles crushed under debris and landslides blocking major highways. Drone footage captured the scale of devastation, including landslips near a shipping terminal. Port Vila’s international airport was also closed as authorities worked to assess the extent of the damage.
Caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency and imposed a seven-day curfew in the hardest-hit areas. He described the situation as “sad and devastating” and extended condolences to the grieving families.
Emergency services and rescue teams continued their search for survivors trapped under rubble as night fell. Local hospitals struggled to cope, with triage tents set up outside due to structural damage, including a non-functional operating theater.
International support has been mobilized, with neighboring countries preparing to dispatch search and rescue teams as well as medical assistance. The quake affected approximately 116,000 people, according to UN estimates, and severely disrupted communication networks until satellite services were restored.
Witnesses described the quake as the most violent in decades. Security camera footage showed people scrambling to safety as buildings collapsed, including a structure housing foreign diplomatic missions. While many embassies sustained considerable damage, staff were safely evacuated.
Rescue efforts and international aid continue as Vanuatu grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
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