Australia sends emergency teams to Vanuatu after deadly earthquake

Australia is deploying search and rescue teams to Vanuatu as emergency services scramble to save unknown numbers buried beneath collapsed buildings after a freak, deadly earthquake.

At least 14 people have been reported killed since the 7.3-magnitude quake hit the Pacific archipelago on Tuesday afternoon, devastating its capital Port Vila.

But with more than 116,000 people estimated to be affected, authorities are bracing for the death toll to rise.

Vanuatu’s caretaker prime minister has declared a state of emergency, including a seven-day curfew for areas impacted most.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said overnight that the Albanese government was “monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide further assistance”.

“Australia stands with the people of Vanuatu following this afternoon’s devastating earthquake.

Early reports indicate that significant damage has occurred,” Senator Wong said in a statement.

“The Australian government is preparing to deploy immediate assistance from tomorrow, including urban search and rescue and emergency medical teams.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide further assistance to the people of Vanuatu as the extent of damage becomes clear.

“Australia and Vanuatu share a deep and enduring partnership. We are family and we will always be there in times of need.”

Australia’s envoy to Vanuatu Max Willis said earlier on Tuesday the Australian High Commission’s communications systems were affected by the earthquake.

But Senator Wong confirmed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was providing consular assistance to Australians caught up in the disaster zone.

Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has pledged to “assist the people of Vanuatu in any way we can”.

“Australians are thinking of our friends and neighbours in Vanuatu after the devastating earthquake that struck their home this afternoon,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to assist the people of Vanuatu in any way we can.”

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday, December 17, causing widespread damage and forcing the closure of the US embassy in Port Vila. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake struck 30 km (18 miles) west of Port Vila at a depth of 57 km. Footage recorded by Michael Thompson shows damaged buildings, as well as cars crushed by collapsed structures. US officials said the embassy in Port Vila “sustained considerable damage and is closed until further notice.” Credit: Michael Thompson via Storyful

The US has closed its embassy in Port Vila due to severe damage to the building housing it.

The building also houses the French Embassy and British and New Zealand high commissions.

Geoscience Australia recorded a second quake early on Wednesday.

The government agency reported it as a magnitude 6.0 with a depth of 72km.

In contrast, Tuesday’s quake was reported with a depth of 10km.