Vanuatu Declares Emergency After Deadly Earthquake

Vanuatu is in a state of emergency following two significant earthquakes, the first measuring 7.3 and the second 6.1, which have resulted in at least 14 fatalities and extensive damage across the capital, Port Vila. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of injured individuals, as the UN reports that approximately 116,000 people have been affected. Australia and New Zealand have pledged immediate assistance, including search and rescue operations and emergency medical teams, while the Vanuatu government has requested international help. The earthquakes have caused considerable destruction, with numerous buildings collapsing and communication challenges hampering relief efforts. Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has announced a curfew in the worst-hit areas, emphasizing the urgent need for support. Eyewitness accounts describe the quakes as some of the most violent experienced in the region, highlighting the severity of the disaster.