Australia is urgently sending assistance, including emergency medical and search and rescue teams, to Vanuatu following a powerful earthquake.

In short:

The Red Cross, citing government sources, says at least 14 people have died after a magnitude-7.3 earthquake struck off Vanuatu on Tuesday.

Locals have reported “mass casualties” and say Port Vila’s hospital is overwhelmed.

What’s next?

Australia is sending “immediate” assistance including urban search and rescue teams.