A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu on December 17, resulting in widespread destruction across the nation.
John Regenvanu, a Vanuatu government official, shared in an interview with CGTN that the quake has led to at least 14 fatalities, including two Chinese nationals, and left over 200 individuals injured.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with the Vanuatu government anticipating international assistance to bolster the ongoing efforts. The earthquake has severely damaged infrastructure, causing power outages and contaminating water supplies.
The primary focus of the government is to restore essential services and provide clean water to the affected communities, ensuring that those impacted receive the necessary support during this challenging time.
Reference(s):
Stringer Dispatch: Vanuatu government worker on earthquake aftermath
cgtn.com