The death toll from Vanuatu’s 7.3 earthquake is expected to rise because concrete buildings have collapsed with people inside in the capital Port Vila.
International Federation of Red Cross Pacific head of delegation Katie Greenwood posted on X that the Vanuatu government was reporting 14 confirmed fatalities and 200 people were treated for injuries at the main hospital in Port Vila.
Rescue efforts to retrieve people trapped by fallen buildings and rubble have continued overnight.
In a press conference, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai said a State of Emergency and curfew were in place in the worst affected areas. “Urgently request international assistance,” he said.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated 116,000 people had been affected by the quake.
Source: Radio New Zealand
