Port Vila after the earthquake struck yesterday. Photo: Twitter / X
Australia has sent emergency medical and search and rescue teams to Vanuatu after it was struck by a large (7.3) earthquake yesterday (Tuesday).
Another large quake (6.1) was reported this morning, according to Geoscience Australia.
Unconfirmed media reports have put the death toll at 14 and likely to climb.
Buildings have collapsed, crushing cars, with landslides near the port. Among the buildings that were damaged was a complex housing the US, French, British and NZ diplomatic missions.
A Red Cross Fiji spokesperson said the post-quake scenes were devastating with water cut off and electricity supplies disrupted.
The Australian High Commission reported that its communication facilities have been damaged.
Geoscience Australia reported that the main quake struck at a depth of 52km, about 31km offshore west of the capital, with four other quakes of 5.0 to 5.5 further offshore.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said early reports they received spoke of significant damage.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide further assistance to the people of Vanuatu as the extent of damage becomes clear,” she says.
“We are family, and we will always be there in times of need.”
She says her department is aware of Australians in the country and are already providing consular assistance to them.
Airlines including Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways have diverted or suspended flights to the capital amid fears of damage to the runway.
The Royal NZ Air Force sent a P-8 Poseidon twin-jet surveillance aircraft this morning to survey the damage.
The United States Geological Survey reported at least four aftershocks around Port Vila – with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5 — in the two hours after the first earthquake.
A tsunami alert was issued after the first quake but was soon cancelled.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the 24-hour consular emergency centre (+61 6 261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).
