A search has been expanded in Vanuatu for those affected by a recent earthquake that struck the Pacific island nation. The magnitude 7.3 quake hit just offshore from Vanuatu's most populous island, leading to significant damage in the capital, Port Vila. Rescue workers from abroad have arrived to assist in the search efforts, focusing on flattened buildings in the downtown area that have not yet been fully explored.
Three days after the earthquake, the official death toll stands at 12, with over 200 people reported injured. However, these numbers are expected to rise as not all casualties have been accounted for. Some individuals have been hesitant to seek medical treatment at Vila Central Hospital due to structural damage.
More than 1,000 people have been displaced, and approximately 20,000 residents are facing water shortages, posing a significant health risk. Aid agencies are working to provide clean water to prevent the spread of diseases like diarrhea.
Relief efforts are facing challenges due to blocked roads, traffic congestion, and inclement weather. Landslides triggered by the quake have further complicated the situation, with a major slip blocking Vanuatu's sea port. The airport, currently open for humanitarian flights only, is set to resume commercial operations soon.
Vanuatu, located in the Pacific ring of fire, is no stranger to natural disasters, with earthquakes and cyclones being common occurrences. The country is also grappling with the impacts of climate change, leading to rising sea levels that threaten its existence.
The recent earthquake adds to the woes of Vanuatu, which relies heavily on tourism and agriculture for its economy. Political instability and external financing issues further complicate the recovery process, with a snap election on the horizon.
As Vanuatu navigates through this crisis, the global community is closely watching the situation, recognizing the country's strategic importance in the broader geopolitical landscape.
