A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, on Tuesday, leaving widespread devastation and triggering a brief tsunami warning. The quake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, with reports of collapsed structures, cars crushed by debris, and furniture scattered inside homes. While the tsunami threat was quickly lifted, the destruction on the ground was severe, and at least one death has been confirmed, along with several serious injuries.
Dan McGarry, a journalist based in Port Vila, reported that police at Vila Central Hospital confirmed one fatality and three individuals with serious injuries. McGarry described the earthquake as the most intense he had experienced in over two decades. Eyewitnesses shared social media footage of the destruction, which included buildings reduced to rubble, and scenes of chaos with bodies in the streets. Rescue operations are currently underway, with efforts focused on freeing survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
The US Embassy in Port Vila was among the damaged buildings, suffering considerable destruction. It has since been confirmed that the embassy will remain closed until further notice. The US Embassy in Papua New Guinea expressed condolences and offered support to the people of Vanuatu during this difficult time.
Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5, adding to the already tense situation. Authorities in New Zealand and Australia have confirmed there is no tsunami threat for their countries. However, Australia has pledged its support, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong stating, “Vanuatu is family, and we will always be there in times of need.” Vanuatu, an island nation located in a seismically active zone, regularly experiences earthquakes and other natural disasters, but this tremor stands out as one of the most destructive in recent years.
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