In brief
The region braces for aftershocks while rescue operations begin following the quake.
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, at approximately 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT), shaking the area to its core at a depth of 57.1 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This seismic event resulted in widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure throughout the capital. A tsunami alert was briefly issued but was lifted by 14:14 local time as officials confirmed there was no ongoing threat.While the full extent of the damage remains uncertain, initial reports indicate at least one fatality. Local journalist Dan McGarry reported that police at Vila Central Hospital confirmed one death, and he witnessed three seriously injured individuals awaiting medical attention. McGarry described the quake as the most significant he has experienced in over two decades.Social media platforms have been inundated with footage depicting collapsed structures, vehicles crushed by fallen debris, and interiors of homes in disarray. Reports of disrupted communications have emerged from various neighborhoods. Among the damaged sites is the US embassy, which sustained considerable harm and will remain closed for an undetermined period.Michael Thompson, the director of Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, reported seeing bodies on the streets and confirmed multiple buildings had collapsed. He highlighted that rescue operations are currently underway, aiming to locate and assist individuals trapped in the rubble. Following the initial quake, USGS recorded at least four aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5 within two hours of the main event. Officials in neighboring New Zealand and Australia confirmed no tsunami threat emerged for their territories. Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, expressed solidarity with Vanuatu, emphasizing readiness to provide aid as damage assessments continue.Vanuatu is an archipelago of around 80 islands situated in a seismically active zone, making it vulnerable to substantial earthquakes and other natural disasters.
