Rescuers dig for survivors of Vanuatu quake; 14 dead

In this image released by Vanuatu Red Cross Society, its volunteers assist staff with the clean up at Vila Central Hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, following a powerful earthquake that struck just off the coast of Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean. (Vanuatu Red Cross Society via AP)

WELLINGTON—A magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck off Vanuatu killed at least 14 people, injured hundreds more and caused widespread damage across the South Pacific island nation, officials said Wednesday, with the figure expected to rise.

Frantic rescue efforts began after the quake hit early on Tuesday afternoon, and rescuers worked through the night to reach people yelling for help from under the rubble, with some dramatically rescued and others still trapped.

A near total telecommunications collapse meant little was known about conditions outside the largest city and people struggled to contact the missing. Some providers began to reestablish phone service on Wednesday. Internet service had not resumed.