A New Zealand Air Force rescue plane has arrived in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, with search and rescue equipment, medics, and defence force personnel to aid earthquake-hit people.
A second plane is also en route with more equipment and personnel, while surveillance flights are assessing damage. New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters, has pledged continued support.
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday left nine confirmed dead and over 200 injured. It prompted a state of emergency in Vanuatu. The death toll is expected to rise further.
Australia has also dispatched aid teams, including firefighters, medics, and search dogs.