The death toll is 14, with more than 200 injured; landslides have cut off access to key areas.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is sending 34 Urban Search and Rescue personnel to assist in Port Vila.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Hercules aircraft en route to Vanuatu to assist in the post-earthquake response has diverted to New Caledonia after an engine fire warning.
The aircraft was carrying urgently needed rescue staff and equipment. It had been expected to land at Bauerfield International Airport inPort Vila about 8pm NZT with Urban Search and Rescue (Usar) personnel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) staff, and equipment on board.
However, a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) spokesperson said the aircraft had to be diverted this evening.
A second aircraft would be sent at first light tomorrow to recover the personnel and equipment and take them on to Vanuatu.
“Other flights will continue as planned, including a C-130J with MFAT and support staff at first light as well as the Boeing 757 to transport freight and enable evacuations tomorrow afternoon.”
The death toll following the magnitude 7.3 earthquake on Tuesday currently stands at 14, with more than 200 people treated for injuries at the Vila Central Hospital, according to the Vanuatu Government. The numbers are expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
Rescue operations have been under way in Port Vila, Vanuatu, after a 7.3m earthquake struck west of the island on Tuesday. Photo / Vanuatu Police
Earlier today an RNZAF P-8A Poseidon conducted a surveillance flight over Port Vila to help assess damage.
Landslides and damage to roads and bridges have cut off access to the airport and main seaport.
A second Hercules aircraft is scheduled to depart for Vanuatu today, carrying staff from other government agencies with two NZDF personnel who will be part of a planning team assisting with the emergency response.
More equipment and stores for the emergency response will also be loaded on the aircraft.
Commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka, said the NZDF was ready to provide further assistance to Vanuatu.
“We have personnel and platforms on standby to respond, and planning is ongoing to provide what Vanuatu needs,” he said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand also announced it is sending 34 Usar personnel to Vanuatu’s capital to support the disaster response.
“Their focus will be on executing urban search and rescue operations to support the local emergency management agency,” National Commander Russell Wood said.
The team was prepared to stay in Vanuatu for up to 14 days.
An RNZAF Hercules aircraft being prepared to take aid to Vanuatu after its devastating earthquake. Photo / NZDF
Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai issued a state of emergency for seven days and said the country “urgently requests international assistance”.
Port Vila resident Michael Thompson reported seeing three people pulled out alive but injured from collapsed buildings by rescue crews.
“[There have been] incredible displays of bravery, with people entering confined spaces to conduct rescues,” he said.
He said more help was needed, including heavy machinery to help comb through the rubble of buildings and cold water for volunteers pulling out trapped people.
New Zealand Red Cross has launched an appeal to support those affected by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, with donations supporting teams on the ground to provide emergency relief.
“We know how generous and compassionate New Zealanders are and we hope this appeal will provide people a way to send tangible support to the tens of thousands of people in Vanuatu tragically affected by this disaster,” New Zealand Red Cross secretary general Sarah Stuart-Black said.
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