WELLINGTON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand is sending rescue crews to Vanuatu following Tuesday's devastating earthquake, the New Zealand government has said.
"Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family, and we are supporting it in this time of acute need. Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be doing all we can to help," said New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Wednesday.
A New Zealand Defence Force statement said that it is helping Vanuatu and is establishing an air bridge taking emergency workers, equipment and supplies to Port Vila.
New Zealand Air Force on Wednesday conducted a surveillance flight over key infrastructure sites in Port Vila, such as the airport, runway and port, as well as the immediate surrounding islands. The crew will conduct another surveillance flight on Thursday.
A transport aircraft departed Auckland on Wednesday afternoon, carrying urban search and rescue personnel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff, and equipment to Vanuatu. A second aircraft is also being scheduled for early Thursday. More equipment and stores for the emergency response will be loaded on the aircraft.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is sending 34 urban search and rescue personnel, who are prepared to remain in Vanuatu for up to 14 days.
New Zealand emergency medical, civil defense, consular and humanitarian officials will also deploy as part of this operation, said Peters.
Vanuatu has declared a state of emergency following Tuesday's 7.3-magnitude earthquake. Fourteen people have been confirmed dead with more than 200 injured, with authorities anticipating the toll will rise.
Two Chinese citizens have been confirmed dead, and two others have been injured in the earthquake, confirmed by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian. ■