The first plane carrying vital supplies from New Zealand is set to land in Vanuatu today, as plans to evacuate Kiwis stuck in the quake-stricken country are also under way. 

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said several flights to, from and above Vanuatu are happening throughout the day; using a range of military planes. 

They will be used to conduct surveillance to assess the damage, deliver urban search and rescue teams and relief supplies and also evacuate New Zealanders stranded in Vanuatu since Tuesday’s 7.3 magnitude earthquake 30km to the west of Port Vila. 

“New Zealanders who want to leave Port Vila on the planned repatriation flight, but have not been in contact with (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade NZ) should call +64 99 20 20 20,” he said. 

“Our thoughts remain with the people of Vanuatu at this difficult time and we will continue to assist as required.”

The first mercy flight will take about three to three-and-a-half hours and will touch down in Auckland this evening. 

Earlier, the Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules en route to Vanuatu to help in the earthquake response was diverted to New Caledonia after an engine fire warning. 

A New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) spokesperson said a second aircraft was to be sent at first light this morning (Thursday) to recover the personnel and equipment and take them on to Vanuatu. 

“Other flights will continue as planned, including a C-130J [the Super Hercules] with MFAT and support staff at first light as well as the Boeing 757 to transport freight and enable evacuations this afternoon,” the spokesperson said. 

A mass search and rescue effort continues into a third day in Vanuatu with the assistance of New Zealand authorities after an earthquake struck off the Pacific nation’s capital of Port Vila – causing mass casualties and significant damage. 

The death toll following the magnitude 7.3 earthquake on Tuesday stood at 14 last night, with more than 200 people treated for injuries at the Vila Central Hospital, according to the Vanuatu government. 

The Vanuatu government said numbers were expected to rise as rescue efforts remain ongoing. 

Vanuatu Business Resilience Council chairman Glen Craig told Morning Report the expectation was that at least 20 people and “hopefully less than 25″ had died following Tuesday’s quake. 

In a press conference yesterday, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai issued a state of emergency for seven days and imposed a curfew – except for essential services – from 6pm to 6am. 

He said the country “urgently request international assistance”. 

A mass search and rescue operation continues in Port Vila after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake brought down buildings, trapping people underneath rubble. Photo / Vanuatu Police 

A major search and rescue operation was launched immediately after the quake, which continued throughout Wednesday. Port Vila resident Michael Thompson reported seeing three people pulled out alive, but injured, from collapsed buildings by rescue crews. 

“[There have been] incredible displays of bravery, with people entering confined spaces to conduct rescues,” he said. 

He said more help was needed, including heavy machinery to help comb through the rubble of buildings and cold water for volunteers pulling out trapped people. 

Two Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff remained unaccounted for yesterday morning, but Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said they had been located safe shortly after 11am. 

The New Zealand High Commission building, which is co-located with the United States, French and British equivalents, sustained significant damage in the quake. 

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon plane conducted a surveillance flight over key infrastructure sites in Port Vila, such as the airport, runway and port, as well as immediate surrounding islands to help assess the damage on Wednesday. 

“Imagery from the flights will be used to help authorities understand the extent of the damage,” the New Zealand Defence Force said in a statement. 

An RNZAF Hercules aircraft being prepared to take aid to Vanuatu after the devastating earthquake. Photo / New Zealand Defence Force 

An RNZAF Hercules departed the RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai yesterday afternoon carrying Urban Search and Rescue (Usar) personnel, MFAT staff and equipment to Vanuatu. 

A second Hercules was also scheduled to depart early this morning, with staff from other government agencies along with two NZDF personnel who will be part of a planning team assisting with the emergency response. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand also announced it was sending 34 Usar personnel to Vanuatu’s capital yesterday to support the disaster response. 

“Their focus will be on executing urban search and rescue operations to support the local emergency management agency,” National Commander Russell Wood said. 

The team was prepared to stay in Vanuatu for up to 14 days. 

The death toll stood at 14 on Wednesday night, with more than 200 people receiving treatment for injuries at the local hospital. Photo / Vanuatu Police 

New Zealand Red Cross has launched an appeal to support those affected by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, with donations supporting teams on the ground to provide emergency relief. 

NZ Red Cross was poised to send experts to Vanuatu to assist in delivering vital humanitarian assistance and contribute to restoring services and infrastructure. 

“We know how generous and compassionate New Zealanders are and we hope this appeal will provide people a way to send tangible support to the tens of thousands of people in Vanuatu tragically affected by this disaster,” New Zealand Red Cross secretary-general Sarah Stuart-Black said. 

Meanwhile, an Auckland couple holidaying in Vanuatu with their toddler and infant told the Herald they were having to barter for water and food following the quake and urged New Zealand officials to organise mercy flights to get Kiwis home. 

“They need to get in contact with us and put a plan together. They keep saying to contact local authorities, but they don’t help. They just tell us to go home.” 

Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila was closed to all commercial aircraft for 72 hours, with only relief and medevac flights allowed to land. 

Airports Vanuatu chief executive Jason Rakau told local media station VBTC news that the runway suffered little damage and was back in operation, but repair work was required for the terminal building. 

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.