A frantic search for survivors is underway after a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu, killing at least one and caused destruction on the Pacific island nation.
The quake was detected 30km west of the capital Port Vila at about 12.47pm on Tuesday, a bustling tourist hotspot where multiple buildings have collapsed.
At least one person is dead and more casualties are expected as rescue crews and Australian volunteers dug through the rubble hunting for survivors.
Footage from the rescue mission showed crushed vehicles, landslides and injured victims being carried and stretchered to safety.Â
Communications are down on several government services, making it difficult to assess the extent of the damage.
Locals reported on social media feeling violent shaking for around 30 seconds.
Broadcaster VBTC has reported a number of destroyed buildings, some of which have fallen on and crumpled cars.
The La Casa D’Andrea E Luciano building, which houses the US, UK, French and New Zealand embassies and High Commissions, has been seriously damaged, with footage posted to social media showing a section of building collapsed onto the first floor.
Port Vila Hospital was also seriously damaged, along with the island’s main water supply.
‘There are multiple buildings that have come down around town,’ Australian expat Michael Thompson explained in a video showing the carnage.
‘The rescue team is in there now, trying to get some people out, there is definitely some people in there, hopefully still alive.
‘A lot of people just walking around the streets and just don’t know what to do.
‘The American embassy has collapsed, the bottom floor, with possibly the staff inside, is pancaked’
Mr Thompson, who owns a local Zipline tourist attraction has tuned his office into a makeshift communications centre using his Starlink satellite phone.
‘We definitely need help in Port Vila most of the communications are gone,’ he said.
‘We need heavy equipment and experienced personal. We need help in Vanuatu as quick as we can.’
Vanuatu is a growing tourist destination with Jetstar launching its first Sydney to Port Vila direct flight just last week.
The picturesque tropical island also welcomes up to three cruise ships from Australia and New Zealand each week.
The port has closed with scheduled cruise ship docking cancelled. Â
‘I can see from the videos the handicraft market and the Billabong store has been flattened,’ former Vanuatu resident Clint Williams told Daily Mail Australia.
‘That place is full most days with locals selling art and trinkets to holidaymakers.
‘I have walked into those same shops with my young children many times and the local Mama’s often have their own babies and children with them.Â
It’s just devastating to see and I’m bracing myself for bad news.’
Landslides are also causing access problems with multiple roads in and out of town now blocked with massive boulders.Â
‘The local network is down or patchy at best and people don’t know if their loved ones are safe. Getting in and out to help search for people and the rescue operations is almost impossible,’ Mr Williams said.Â
The tiny Pacific nation is no stranger to natural disasters having experienced twin cyclones in March last year.
Category 4 tropical cyclones Kevin and Judy struck Port Vila and the surrounding areas leaving a trail of destruction behind. Â
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia stands ready to send any assistance needed to Vanuatu after what she described as a ‘devastating earthquake’
‘We stand ready to support Vanuatu, as the extent of the damage is assessed,’ she posted on social media.Â
‘Vanuatu is family and we will always be there in times of need.’
‘DFAT is working to confirm if any Australians in Vanuatu have been impacted.’
She added that staff at the Australian High Commission on the island are safe.
A tsunami threat to Australia and New Zealand has been cleared by authorities in both countries.
