WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck just off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and sparking unconfirmed reports of casualties as hospitals began treating the injured.
The quake, which occurred just before 1 p.m. local time, was centered 30 kilometers west of Port Vila, Vanuatu’s largest city, at a depth of 57 kilometers (35 miles). A magnitude 5.5 aftershock soon followed, with tremors continuing throughout the afternoon and evening.
Although a tsunami warning was issued, it was lifted less than two hours later. However, communication lines remain down, leaving official updates scarce. Vanuatu’s Geohazards Department reported on social media that monitoring systems were offline due to power outages, urging residents to stay away from coastlines for at least 24 hours until systems were fully restored.
10 Celebrity-Approved Slimming Secrets You Can Try Today!
Injuries and Unconfirmed Casualties
Witness reports began to emerge on social media and through limited phone calls, detailing severe damage. Dan McGarry, a journalist in Port Vila, told The Associated Press he had heard of one death from a police officer outside Vila Central Hospital.
McGarry described seeing three individuals on gurneys in “obvious distress” at a triage center set up outside the hospital’s emergency ward. He noted that Vanuatu is not equipped for a mass casualty event, adding that doctors were working as quickly as possible.
Footage shared by the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation depicted large crowds outside the hospital. Phone numbers for local authorities, police, and public services remained unresponsive.
The Ultimate Top 10 Celebrity Anti-Aging Products
Damage to Buildings and Infrastructure
Videos and images circulating on social media showed widespread destruction in Port Vila, including:
- Collapsed buildings, with one structure visibly crushed onto its lower floors.
- Rescue attempts to free trapped individuals. Witness Amanda Laithwaite reported her husband and others were struggling to lift the roof of a three-story building without specialist equipment.
- Significant damage to buildings housing several diplomatic missions, including those of the United States, Britain, France, and New Zealand.
The U.S. Embassy confirmed on its Facebook page that all staff were safe, though the building was closed until further notice. The office, which opened in July as part of U.S. efforts to expand its Pacific presence, suffered visible structural damage, including buckled windows and debris scattered at ground level.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong assured that Australian officials in Vanuatu were safe. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed “deep concern,” confirming that 45 New Zealanders were registered in the region.
Red One Review: A Thrilling Holiday Adventure
Landslides and Transportation Disruptions
A massive landslide at Vanuatu’s international shipping terminal is expected to complicate recovery efforts. Journalist McGarry also reported possible damage to Port Vila’s airport runway, further stranding aid and flights.
Flight tracking services indicated that all operations at the airport were grounded, and airlines in Australia and the Pacific canceled scheduled flights for Wednesday, pending updates.
Dark Chocolate Linked to Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
International Assistance and Recovery Efforts
The Red Cross voiced concerns over casualties yet to be officially confirmed. “I will be shocked if we don’t hear bad news coming through from Port Vila at some point,” said Katie Greenwood, the Fiji-based head of the Asia-Pacific regional office for the Red Cross, speaking to Australia’s media.
Australia and New Zealand pledged immediate assistance. “We will provide whatever help is needed,” Minister Penny Wong assured reporters.
Top 8 Must-Have Gaming Deals You Can’t Miss!
Political and Natural Disaster Context
Vanuatu, a nation of about 330,000 people spread across 80 islands, is no stranger to natural disasters, including cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes due to its location on the Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates frequently shift. Despite earthquake-resistant construction, the scale of the 7.3 magnitude quake has left the nation reeling.
Deck The Halls With These Holiday Specials!
The disaster also comes during a period of political instability. Vanuatu is set for a snap election in January, following the dissolution of Parliament in November to avoid a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.
Avoid Home Invasions With These Essential Security Devices
As Vanuatu begins recovery efforts, residents await further details regarding casualties and damage, while the international community stands ready to assist the island nation during this crisis.
