Number of dead and missing still unclear as first aid arrives in quake-hit Pacific nation of Vanuatu

Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The number of people killed and missing remains unclear two days after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. More than 48 hours after the quake, the Ministry of Health said the number of confirmed deaths reached 10 early Friday, with the number expected to rise. The scale of the damage became clearer on Thursday when telecommunications was partially restored. The devastation is concentrated in downtown Port Vila, the capital, with aid and rescue efforts focused on water, shelter and recovering trapped people. Some 330,000 people live on Vanuatu’s 80 islands. Australian, New Zealand and French aid has started arriving.