Magnitude 7.3 earthquake that hit Vanuatu

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, damaging buildings and cars, with at least one person reported killed.

Authorities fear the death toll from the 7.3-magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu will rise.

Powerful aftershocks, including a 6.1 tremor, rattled the nation overnight adding to the devastation.

More than a dozen people, including two Chinese nationals, have been confirmed dead, with over 200 injured in the Pacific island’s capital, Port Vila.

Several buildings in Port Vila’s main town suffered major structural damage, according to the National Disaster Management Office.

Concrete pillars on a building housing the US, British, French and New Zealand embassies collapsed.

Videos circulating online show chaotic scenes as the earthquake struck.

One video taken from inside a garage, shows a door swinging open while three men outside struggle to stabilize themselves.

Caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai announced that a state of emergency has been declared and international aid has been requested.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that about one-third of Vanuatu's population have been affected by the earthquake.

Eyewitness footage showed rescue efforts underway in Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, a day after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit the island nation, killing 14 people including two Chinese nationals.

In a series of videos taken by an eyewitness, rescue workers can be seen attempting to drill through the top of a collapsed building.

Teams from the US, Australia and France are due to join rescue efforts, with Australia sending a 64-person contingent with two dogs for search and rescue operations.