A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean. The earthquake hit at 12:47 PM local time at a depth of 57 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located not far from Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu.
A tsunami warning was issued for parts of the Pacific island nation, but by 2:14 PM local time, officials declared that the threat had passed.
While the extent of the damage remains unclear, unconfirmed reports indicate at least one fatality. Dan McGarry, a journalist residing in Port Vila, confirmed with local police at the Central Hospital that one person had died. He also reported seeing three people seriously injured at the hospital.
On social media, images show collapsed buildings, crushed cars, and furniture scattered across homes. Communication lines were reportedly disrupted. The U.S. Embassy in Port Vila was also among the buildings affected, with photos online showing significant damage.
The U.S. authorities announced that the embassy building had sustained “considerable damage” and would be closed until further notice. Michael Thompson, director of Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, told AFP he had seen bodies lying in the street.
Officials in New Zealand and Australia confirmed there was no tsunami threat to their countries, but Australia expressed readiness to support Vanuatu as the damage assessment continues.
Vanuatu, an archipelago with about 80 islands, lies in a seismically active zone and is regularly affected by large earthquakes and other natural disasters.
