A 7.3-magnitude earthquake devastated Vanuatu's capital, leaving communities in shock and rescue teams scrambling.
At least 14 people have died and hundreds are injured after a powerful earthquake struck Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Tuesday. The Red Cross confirmed the rising death toll early Wednesday, doubling earlier local reports as rescue teams assess the full scale of destruction.
The quake – one of the strongest to hit the Pacific nation in decades – triggered landslides, collapsed buildings, and severed communication lines. A 5.5-magnitude aftershock hours later deepened fears of further damage. 📉 U.S. Geological Survey data shows over a dozen smaller tremors since the initial impact.
Vanuatu, part of the seismically active 'Ring of Fire,' has declared a state of emergency. International aid organizations are mobilizing to deliver medical supplies and temporary shelters. With hospitals overwhelmed, social media appeals from residents highlight urgent needs for drinking water and first-aid kits. 🚑
