7.4 Magnitude Powerful Earthquake Rattles Vanuatu, Embassies Buildings Damaged

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Tuesday, causing significant structural damage, including to a building hosting embassies of the U.S., France, New Zealand, and the U.K., according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Key Facts

• Location and Depth: The quake occurred 37 kilometers (22.9 miles) from Port Vila, initially reported at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), later revised to 43 km (26.7 miles).
• Aftershock: A 5.5 magnitude aftershock followed shortly after near the same area.
• Structural Impact: Video footage revealed severe damage, including collapsed pillars and shattered windows, at “La Casa d’Andrea e Luciano,” a recently inaugurated building hosting several foreign diplomatic missions.
• Communication Breakdown: Vanuatu government websites and official phone lines were reportedly offline, hindering coordination efforts.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially issued an alert for potential tsunami waves across nearby regions, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. The warning was lifted after minor waves, approximately 25 cm (10 inches), were observed.

As of now, there are no confirmed casualties or injuries. Emergency services face challenges due to disrupted communication networks. The full extent of the damage is under evaluation.

Vanuatu, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity, making preparedness crucial for its population of approximately 330,000.