Second quake hits Vanuatu: Search continues, services down in Port Vila

Rescue teams continue to search for survivors after two earthquakes this week caused widespread damage in Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila.

The first, a 7.3-magnitude quake on Tuesday and a 6.1-magnitude quake on Wednesday morning have left the city paralysed and a nation clinging to hope a week from Christmas Day.

At least 14 people have been killed and hundreds injured, the authorities said.

Help has arrived from New Zealand, Australia, and France. Vanuatu's international airport in Port Vila is closed to the public, and only humanitarian assistance flights are allowed there.

NGOs are concerned about a lack of safe drinking water.

UNICEF Vanuatu Field Officer Eric Durpaire told RNZ there had been an increase in diarrhoea cases.

World Vision says there is no electricity and most shops are closed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says staff who were previously unaccounted for have been found safe.

Photo/Facebook/Michael Thompson

Wednesday 1:48pm Update:

A second earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck Vanuatu on Wednesday morning.

The first quake, a magnitude 7.3, occurred near Port Vila at a depth of about 57 kilometres.

At least 14 people have been killed and hundreds injured, with widespread infrastructure damage and landslides reported.

The death toll is expected to rise because officials say concrete buildings have collapsed with people inside in Port Vila.

Katie Greenwood, the Pacific head of delegation at the International Federation of Red Cross, posted on X that the Vanuatu government had confirmed the 14 fatalities and 200 people being treated for injuries at the main hospital in the capital.

RNZ reported on Tuesday that rescue crews have begun to arrive, but Port Vila has sustained damage to its strategic bridges and is facing water safety concerns.

Kim Koch, Save the Children's Pacific Regional Director, expressed grave concern for children and their families in Vanuatu following reports of this second major earthquake hitting the nation’s capital, Port Vila.

Watch the full interview with the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Shane Reti, below.

Koch said families were already reeling from the damage and landslides caused by the first significant earthquake on Tuesday afternoon. the

"Now we’ve heard that a second major earthquake has struck," she said.

"While it’s unclear what further damage that’s caused, it will have undoubtedly compounded the fear and anxiety that children and their families are feeling and adding to the significant needs on the ground.

"Children are especially vulnerable during emergencies, and we know early intervention is vital to counter ongoing trauma."

New Zealand has expressed concern and support options after the devastation.

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Minister of Health and Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is closely monitoring the situation.

This building, occupied by the NZ High Commission and other foreign diplomatic missions, is among the offices, homes, and businesses damaged during the earthquake. Photo/screen grab/Steward Marweri Ebe