On a tense Tuesday, a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake shook Vanuatu, leaving at least 14 people dead and hundreds injured. The quake struck the nation's bustling capital, Port Vila, bringing widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and businesses.
Early reports by the Red Cross on Wednesday confirmed the rising death toll, up from seven earlier local media accounts. The harrowing aftermath included not just the initial tremor, but also multiple aftershocks, including one measuring 5.5 in magnitude early Wednesday morning, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Communities across Vanuatu are grappling with the immediate devastation, as rescue efforts ramp up to aid those affected. The government and international organizations are mobilizing resources to support recovery and provide medical assistance to the injured.
As Vanuatu faces these challenging times, the resilience of its people shines through, with local volunteers and neighboring nations offering their support in rebuilding the affected areas.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
