Rescuers dig for survivors of Vanuatu earthquake with no water and unclear death toll

Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Vanuatu’s capital is without water after reservoirs were destroyed by a violent magnitude 7.3 earthquake that wrought havoc on the South Pacific island nation. Rescuers frantically dug through the rubble of collapsed buildings after the quake hit on Tuesday afternoon. The government said Wednesday that there were 14 confirmed deaths but later said that nine had been verified by the main hospital. Two of those killed were Chinese nationals, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency, The number of people killed and injured is expected to rise. The seaport is closed and commercial flights are not landing. Water is out for much of Port Vila.