Search and rescue operations are continuing after a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least 14 people have died and there has been extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Katie Greenwood, an official with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said search and rescue operations were continuing.
Noting that there were needs such as first aid, shelter and water, Greenwood said the death toll had risen to 14.
200 people have been hospitalized.
IFRC Secretary-General Jagan Chapagain said the quake had damaged some key infrastructure, such as the Red Cross office and the airport runway.
Chapagain said Red Cross teams were ready to provide assistance.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) and the German Geosciences Research Center (Geofon) reported that five earthquakes had been recorded in the island nation.
The strongest earthquake, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, struck 30 kilometers west of Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.
Four additional earthquakes measuring 5 or higher followed.
The strongest earthquake was recorded at a depth of 43 kilometers.
A tsunami warning was also issued for Vanuatu, home to about 334,000 people, but it was later lifted, AA writes.
