New Zealand / World

Live: Death toll rises, hundreds hurt in Vanuatu 7.3 earthquake

18:28 pm on 18 December 2024

Search and rescue efforts continue for survivors after a 7.3 earthquake struck Vanuatu on Tuesday, followed by a 6.1 quake on Wednesday killed at least 14 and injured hundreds.

Help is slowly arriving, with incoming support from New Zealand, Australia and France. The aiport in Port Vila is not operational other than for humanitarian assistance.

There are concerns about a lack of safe drinking water and Unicef Vanuatu Field Office Eric Durpaire told Midday Report there has been an increase in cases of diarrhea. World Vision says electricity is still out and most stores are closed.

Two Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff previously unaccounted for have been found safe.

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