Powerful 7.3 Earthquake Rocks Vanuatu, Causing Damage and Casualties

• A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila
• Earthquake has caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure
• Reports indicate at least one death and several injuries

Powerful 7.3 Earthquake Rocks Vanuatu, Causing Damage and Casualties

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The quake, recorded at 12:47 PM local time (01:47 GMT) at a depth of 57.1km, initially triggered a tsunami alert, which has since been lifted.

Reports indicate at least one death and several injuries, with local journalist Dan McGarry describing it as the biggest quake he has experienced in over 20 years. Social media footage shows collapsed buildings, damaged cars, and disrupted interiors.

Massive landslides near our international shipping terminal. A lot of digging out ahead. This is going to impact our ability to respond. pic.twitter.com/dpgyK8tcpf

— Dan McGarry (@VanuatuDan) December 17, 2024

The US embassy in Port Vila suffered “considerable damage” and is temporarily closed. Communications remain patchy as residents assess the full extent of the devastation.