The island nation of Vanuatu is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck its capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday. The quake has left at least 14 people dead and hundreds injured, as rescue teams race against time to find survivors trapped under rubble.
Most supermarkets in the city remain closed, leading to shortages of essential supplies. Only a handful of stores, primarily owned by Chinese nationals, are still open, providing residents with water and basic necessities like biscuits.
While water supply is gradually being restored, electricity has only returned to the city center, leaving many areas in the dark. “We are still assessing the full extent of the damage,” a local official said. “Our priority is to rescue those who are still trapped and provide support to the affected communities.”
Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Li Minggang, confirmed that two Chinese nationals are among the deceased. The Chinese community, along with international aid organizations, is playing a crucial role in relief efforts.
As Vanuatu continues to recover, the resilience and solidarity of its people shine through the challenges. Emergency services and volunteers are working tirelessly to bring relief to those affected by this natural disaster.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
