Vanuatu asks for international assistance after massive quake: UN

The situation in Vanuatu remains concerning after a massive earthquake struck the country, prompting the government to request international assistance, a UN spokesperson said.

The government of Vanuatu declared a seven-day state of emergency following Tuesday’s 7.3-magnitude earthquake. At least 14 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 200 injured, and authorities expect the toll to rise, according to Xinhua news agency.

To complement the national response, the government has requested international aid, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, told reporters.

Local authorities reported extensive damage caused by the quake, affecting hospitals, residential and public buildings, roads, water reservoirs, and gas pipelines.

Villages near Efate have also experienced landslides, and communications in many areas have been cut off.

Operations at Port Vila International Airport, located in the capital, are facing delays due to damage to its terminal building and road network, though the runway is still functional. The airport is closed to all commercial services.

Access to the seaport is also disrupted by a landslide, restricting the transport of essential supplies and personnel.

The United Nations and its partners are mobilizing resources to respond, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) deploying response teams, including a UN disaster assessment and coordination team, to the affected region.

Immediate needs include medical supplies, repairs to medical facilities, mobile medical teams, search and rescue teams with heavy machinery, and access to safe drinking water, according to UN humanitarian officials.