‘They’re our neighbours’: NZ rallies emergency response after Vanuatu quake

New Zealand's Government has expressed concern and support options in the wake of Tuesday's devastating earthquake that struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.

The magnitude 7.3 quake, which occurred near Port Vila and at a depth of about 57 kilometres, has killed at least 14 people and left 200 injured, with widespread infrastructure damage and landslides reported.

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.

He says MFAT is in close communications with High Commissioner Nicola Simmonds in Vanuatu.

“We know there are 50 New Zealanders registered on safe travel who are in the area,” Reti says.

“As far as MFAT can tell at this point, there are no New Zealand casualties, but we do know there are casualties amongst others in Vanuatu.

“There is huge sadness around this natural event that has happened to them and MFAT through their relationships and through our High Commission, we are doing everything we can to see how we can play our role to assist.”

Reti adds that the NZ High Commission is located alongside its French and United States counterparts.

The buildings have suffered “significant damage,” but it is uncertain whether any New Zealanders were harmed.

Watch Dr Shane Reti's full interview via 531pi’s FB below.

NZ response

Vanuatu faces challenging conditions on the ground, including severe disruptions to communications, extensive building damage, landslides, and the crucial need for medical and infrastructural support.

As aftershocks continued to shake the region, the Vanuatu Government declared a State of Emergency, placing a curfew in the worst-affected areas and asking for international assistance to manage the fallout.

Reti says MFAT discussions with the Polynesian Health Corridors and emergency medical teams are underway to determine how the country’s health workforce can support Vanuatu.

“Those discussions are being had at the moment while we determine what our best and most useful response is,” he says.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters says a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8 surveillance aircraft will be deployed to assess the damage.

Scenes from the ground

“If it's clear, then a C-130 will be going up with the rescue team this afternoon [Wednesday] with release supplies,” Peters says.

“People will also be going to help from a consular and humanitarian point of view.

“These officials will be deployed for this operation of recovery.

“There are two locals in our operation there that are unaccounted for, but they were not in the building at the time…that's where things stand at the moment.”

Second earthquake hits
A second quake of magnitude 6.1 has struck the island nation early this morning, with RNZ reporting rescue crews arriving, Port Vila strategic bridges damaged and water safety concerns.

Save the Children Pacific Regional Director, Kim Koch, said she is gravely concerned for children and their families in Vanuatu after reports of this morning's second major earthquake hitting the Pacific Island Nation’s capital.

Koch said children and their families were already reeling after the major earthquake hit, causing immense damage and landslides.

"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."

‘The Pacific are our neighbourhood’

Peters says they are not concerned with costs right now, emphasising that Aotearoa would work with Australia alongside other countries to focus on providing urgent humanitarian aid.

Watch Winston Peters’ full interview via 531pi’s FB below.

"What we are able to tell you is that everything we do there will be essential.

"It’ll be in line with the kind of help we've given in past times.

"New Zealand has a serious reputation for being a great neighbour.

"We need to continue that because the Pacific is our neighbourhood and our neighbours are our concern as much as they are if they were living in New Zealand.”