Devastating scenes in Vanuatu as search-and-rescue mission steps up after 7.3 magnitude earthquake

News.com.au - 17/12
Vanuatu’s main hospital is “struggling to cope” in the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck the country yesterday, flattening buildings and severing vital water, power and communications links.

Vanuatu’s main hospital is “struggling to cope” in the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck the country yesterday, flattening buildings and severing vital water, power and communications links.

A mammoth 7.3 magnitude quake rocked Vanuatu yesterday at about 1pm local time and Geosciences Australia has reported a second magnitude 6.1 event this morning.

Images emerging from Port Vila show multiple buildings flattened and at least 14 people have been killed, although aid agencies expect the death toll to rise in coming days.

A number of buildings have sustained significant damage. Picture: AFP
A desperate search-and-rescue mission is unfolding. Picture: AFP
A landslide at the international shipping terminal in Port Vila has suspended operations. Picture: AP

Michael Thompson, who runs a business in the capital, described the “cha...
[Short citation of 8% of the original article]