The death toll from the devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, has risen to 14, with over 200 reported injuries, according to the Red Cross.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and communication lines, severely hampering rescue and recovery efforts.
Subsequent aftershocks, including one measuring 5.5 magnitude, have added to the challenges. International aid is being mobilized, with Australia pledging support despite limited access to key ports and airports.
As Vanuatu prepares for a snap election in January, the disaster underscores the country's vulnerability to natural calamities, given its location on a tectonic subduction zone prone to earthquakes, cyclones, and volcanic activity.