At least 14 people, including two Chinese nationals, have lost their lives following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday.

Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate and extricate individuals trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Three people trapped in one building have been confirmed to be alive and are communicating with rescue teams.  

Over 200 people have been injured in the quake.

The earthquake caused significant damage across the city, with numerous buildings, including embassies and a hospital, sustaining major structural damage. Power, water, and communication services have been disrupted, hampering rescue and relief efforts.  

Landslides and debris have blocked roads, and images circulating on social media show vehicles crushed under fallen debris and boulders strewn across highways.  

The National Disaster Management Office has reported that ten buildings in Port Vila's main town suffered severe structural damage.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. (ILKHA)