A frantic search is underway for survivors after a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu, killing at least one person and causing destruction across the Pacific island nation.
The earthquake was detected 30 kilometers west of the capital, Port Vila, at around 12:47 on Tuesday, a bustling tourist hotspot where several buildings have collapsed.
At least one person has died and more victims are expected as Australian rescue teams and volunteers dig through the rubble in search of survivors.
Footage from the rescue mission showed crushed vehicles, landslides and injured victims being carried and carried on stretchers to safety.
Communications are cut in several government services, making it difficult to assess the extent of the damage.
Locals reported on social media that they felt violent tremors for about 30 seconds.
Broadcaster VBTC reported several destroyed buildings, some of which fell on cars and were destroyed.
The La Casa D’Andrea E Luciano building, which houses the embassies and High Commissions of the United States, United Kingdom, France and New Zealand, has suffered serious damage, and images posted on social media show a section of the building collapsed in the first floor.
At least one person has died after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake caused extensive damage in Port Vila, Vanuatu
Several buildings destroyed, some of which have fallen on cars and been crushed.
Rescuers race against time without essential machinery to lift heavy debris
The Port Vila hospital was also severely damaged, along with the island’s main water supply.
“There are several buildings that have collapsed in the city,” explained Australian expatriate Michael Thompson in a video showing the massacre.
“The rescue team is there now, trying to get some people out, there are definitely some people there, hopefully still alive.”
‘A lot of people are just walking the streets and just don’t know what to do.
‘The American embassy has collapsed, the lower floor, with possibly the staff inside, is destroyed’
Thompson, owner of a local Zipline tourist attraction, has turned his office into a makeshift communications center using his Starlink satellite phone.
“We definitely need help in Port Vila, most communications have disappeared,” he said.
‘We need heavy equipment and experienced personnel. “We need help in Vanuatu as quickly as possible.”
Vanuatu is a growing tourist destination and Jetstar launched its first direct flight from Sydney to Port Vila last week.
The picturesque tropical island also welcomes up to three cruise ships from Australia and New Zealand each week.
The port closed and scheduled cruise ship docking was cancelled.
Images of the building’s exterior show that some of the windows were crushed while other frames appear deformed by the impact of the earthquake (pictured).
Dozens of vehicles were crushed by collapsed buildings
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck 29 kilometers west of Port Villa on Efate Island (pictured)
“I can see from the videos that the craft market and the Billabong store have been leveled,” former Vanuatu resident Clint Williams told Daily Mail Australia.
“That place is packed most days with locals selling art and trinkets to tourists.
‘I have gone into those same shops many times with my young children and the local mums often have their own babies and children with them.
“It’s just devastating to see and I’m bracing myself for some bad news.”
The landslides are also causing access problems with multiple roads in and out of the city now blocked with huge boulders.
‘The local network is down or at best patchy and people don’t know if their loved ones are safe. Getting in and out to help with search and rescue operations is almost impossible,” said Mr Williams.
The small Pacific nation is no stranger to natural disasters – it experienced two cyclones in March last year.
Category 4 tropical cyclones Kevin and Judy hit Port Vila and its surrounding areas leaving a trail of destruction.
A building housing the US, UK and New Zealand embassies was severely damaged
Broadcaster VBTC reported several destroyed buildings, some of which fell on cars and were destroyed.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia is ready to send any necessary assistance to Vanuatu after what she described as a “devastating earthquake”.
“We are ready to support Vanuatu while the extent of the damage is assessed,” he posted on social media.
“Vanuatu is a family and we will always be there in times of need.”
“DFAT is working to confirm if any Australians in Vanuatu have been affected.”
He added that Australian High Commission staff on the island are safe.
Authorities in both countries have ruled out the tsunami threat for Australia and New Zealand.