Death toll from Vanuatu earthquake rises to 14 as rescuers continue search for survivors. World news.

 Death toll from Vanuatu earthquake rises to 14 as rescuers continue search for survivors.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that a 7.3-magnitude earthquake has impacted one-third of the country's population.

A screengrab taken from video footage shows people inspecting a damaged car in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila [Facebook account of Michael Thompson/ AFP

Rescuers in Vanuatu are working urgently to find survivors following a devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that has claimed at least 14 lives in the Pacific Island nation.

The earthquake, which struck the capital Port Vila on Tuesday, caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings, triggering landslides, and disrupting power and telecommunications networks.

Katie Greenwood, head of the Asia Pacific division of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, reported on Wednesday that 14 deaths had been confirmed, with 200 others receiving treatment for injuries at Port Vila’s main hospital.

Dan McGarry, a Canadian-born journalist who has lived in Vanuatu for over 20 years, told Al Jazeera that it was "reasonable to expect" the death toll could climb.

"I am concerned that it is going to rise, and the government also anticipates an increase in casualties, if not in the death toll itself," McGarry said.

He added that rescuers are actively searching for people who may still be trapped under rubble or debris.

“We have reports of people potentially trapped under a large landslide near the international shipping terminal. So far, six fatalities have been confirmed in that area,” he said.

Australia and New Zealand have announced the deployment of medical and rescue teams starting Wednesday to aid Vanuatu in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

“Australia stands with the people of Vanuatu following yesterday’s tragic earthquake. Our deepest sympathies go to the people of that beautiful country, especially in light of the tragic loss of life,” Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said during a news conference on Wednesday.

“Early reports indicate significant damage, and at the request of the Vanuatu government, we are deploying immediate assistance today,” Chalmers added.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately one-third of Vanuatu’s population of 335,000 has been affected by the quake’s worst impacts.

“Telecommunications remain disrupted, delaying field reports from remote areas,” the UN stated in a situation update. “Road damage has severely limited access to the airport and water port. Key immediate needs include healthcare support, shelter, access to clean water, and restoration of emergency communications.”

Michael Thompson, an Australian who operates a zip line adventure business in Vanuatu, shared on Facebook that he had been assisting with rescue efforts. According to Thompson, three people were pulled alive from the rubble overnight.

“Incredible displays of bravery, with people entering confined spaces to conduct rescues,” Thompson wrote.

Among the buildings heavily damaged is a diplomatic complex housing the missions of Britain, France, New Zealand, and the United States. A section of the structure collapsed, flattening the first floor.

McGarry noted that the disaster's impact would be deeply felt across the entire archipelago, given the close-knit nature of Vanuatu's community.

"Everybody knows everybody, so the human toll is felt really, really heavily here—perhaps more so than in other places," he said.

Despite the tragedy, McGarry highlighted that the people of Vanuatu, accustomed to natural disasters such as cyclones, remained remarkably calm and composed in the face of adversity.

"The general mood here has been very positive, despite the human toll. People are being cooperative and patient with one another," he said.

"Vanuatu society still has a very strong spirit of cooperation," McGarry added.

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