The quake triggered a brief tsunami alert and has led to rescue operations in the affected areas.
**Major 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu, Causing Significant Damage**
**Major 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu, Causing Significant Damage**
A powerful earthquake shakes Vanuatu, resulting in injuries and infrastructure damage.
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale has struck off the coast near Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, leading to substantial damage and injuries. The earthquake occurred at 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT) at a depth of 57.1 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Although a tsunami alert was issued for parts of the Pacific nation shortly after the earthquake, officials confirmed that the threat subsided by 14:14 local time.
Reports indicate that damage assessments are still ongoing, but at least one fatality has been confirmed. Dan McGarry, a local journalist, conveyed that he was informed by police at the Vila Central Hospital of one death and saw three individuals with serious injuries awaiting medical assistance. He described this earthquake as the most significant he has experienced in over 20 years.
Images circulating on social media depict widespread destruction, with collapsed buildings and displaced vehicles, as well as wreckage scattered throughout residential areas. Communication services are reportedly unstable in the region. The US embassy in Port Vila has also sustained considerable damage and will remain closed until further evaluations can be made.
The embassy in Papua New Guinea released a statement expressing condolences to affected families, promising coordinated support and assistance. Vanuatu Jungle Zipline adventure company director, Michael Thompson, reported witnessing bodies on the streets and highlighted a major rescue effort underway to assist those trapped in debris.
Multiple aftershocks with magnitudes between 4.7 and 5.5 have been recorded in the vicinity within two hours of the initial quake. Neighboring countries, including New Zealand and Australia, confirmed there was no tsunami threat for their regions. Australia has additionally expressed willingness to extend support to Vanuatu, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasizing the strong ties between the nations.
Being situated in a seismically active region, Vanuatu — an archipelago of about 80 islands — is frequently subject to significant earthquakes and various other natural disasters. The latest earthquake serves as a sobering reminder of the region's geological volatility.
Reports indicate that damage assessments are still ongoing, but at least one fatality has been confirmed. Dan McGarry, a local journalist, conveyed that he was informed by police at the Vila Central Hospital of one death and saw three individuals with serious injuries awaiting medical assistance. He described this earthquake as the most significant he has experienced in over 20 years.
Images circulating on social media depict widespread destruction, with collapsed buildings and displaced vehicles, as well as wreckage scattered throughout residential areas. Communication services are reportedly unstable in the region. The US embassy in Port Vila has also sustained considerable damage and will remain closed until further evaluations can be made.
The embassy in Papua New Guinea released a statement expressing condolences to affected families, promising coordinated support and assistance. Vanuatu Jungle Zipline adventure company director, Michael Thompson, reported witnessing bodies on the streets and highlighted a major rescue effort underway to assist those trapped in debris.
Multiple aftershocks with magnitudes between 4.7 and 5.5 have been recorded in the vicinity within two hours of the initial quake. Neighboring countries, including New Zealand and Australia, confirmed there was no tsunami threat for their regions. Australia has additionally expressed willingness to extend support to Vanuatu, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasizing the strong ties between the nations.
Being situated in a seismically active region, Vanuatu — an archipelago of about 80 islands — is frequently subject to significant earthquakes and various other natural disasters. The latest earthquake serves as a sobering reminder of the region's geological volatility.
