Strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake hits Vanuatu
Kyiv • UNN
A powerful earthquake has struck near the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila, causing widespread destruction and at least one death. The main shock was followed by four more aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 occurred near the Vanuatu capital Port Vila, damaging buildings and other infrastructure, UNN reports with reference to the BBC.
Details
The earthquake occurred at 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT) at a depth of 57.1 km, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
It briefly triggered tsunami warnings in parts of the Pacific island nation, but officials said as of 14:14 local time that the threat had passed.
The extent of the damage remains unclear, but there are unconfirmed reports of at least one death.
Dan McGarry, a journalist based in Port Vila, said police at Vila Central Hospital told him that one person had died.
In his message on X, McGarry said he saw three people "seriously injured" on hospital gurneys waiting for treatment. The quake was "the strongest in 20 years," he added.
Footage on social media shows collapsed buildings, cars crashing into fallen panels, and furniture scattered on the floor of homes Residents report intermittent communication.
According to photos posted online, the US Embassy in Port Vila is among the damaged buildings.
U.S. officials said the building had sustained "significant damage" and would be closed until further notice.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this earthquake, and the U.S. government will work closely with our partners in Vanuatu," the Embassy in Papua New Guinea said in a statement.
Michael Thompson, director of Vanuatu Jungle Zipline Adventure, told the AFP news agency that he had seen bodies lying in the streets.
"Several buildings have collapsed in the city. A large-scale rescue operation is underway to save people who may still be alive in the building," Thompson said in a separate video posted on Facebook.
The USGS reported at least four aftershocks in the Port Vila area with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5 within two hours of the first quake.
Authorities in neighboring New Zealand and Australia said there was no tsunami threat to their countries.
Australia also stated that it "stands ready to support Vanuatu while the extent of the damage is assessed.
"Vanuatu is a family, and we will always be there for you in your time of need," wrote Foreign Minister Penny Wong on X.
Addendum
Vanuatu, a low-lying archipelago of about 80 islands, is located in a seismically active zone and is prone to frequent major earthquakes and other natural disasters.
