A devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital of Port Vila causing widespread destruction and collapsed buildings. The earthquake, which occurred 30km west of the capital, was followed by a magnitude 5.5 aftershock. The US Tsunami Warning System issued an initial warning but later cancelled it. Reports of significant damage began emerging on social media as the country’s phone lines and government websites were down.
The Red Cross reported significant damage on the ground, with video footage showing crowds outside the Vila Central Hospital assisting injured individuals onto stretchers. The building housing diplomatic missions from the US, Britain, France, and New Zealand was significantly damaged, with the US closing its embassy in Vanuatu due to the earthquake’s impact.
Numerous videos and photos shared on social media showed collapsed buildings, landslides blocking roads, and debris scattered throughout the capital. Care Australia reported that many large buildings had collapsed, electricity was down, and water was cut off in most areas of Port Vila.
Professor Meghan Miller from the Australian National University stated that the earthquake hit a seismically active area, resulting in moderate damage to structures. New Zealand’s foreign ministry reported that 37 New Zealanders were in Vanuatu at the time of the quake, but no further details on their status were provided.
Despite the extent of the damage, there were no immediate confirmed reports of casualties. Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu as they begin the process of recovery and rebuilding after this devastating event.
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