Official statements or press releases from the US State Department or the US Embassy in Vanuatu

7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Near Port-Vila Damages US Embassy, Triggers Tsunami Warnings

Dec 17, 2024, 02:17 AM

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near Port-Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, on December 17, 2024, at 01:47 am Universal Time, prompting tsunami warnings in the region. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 31 kilometers west of Port-Vila, according to the US Geological Survey. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for possible hazardous tsunami waves. An aftershock measuring magnitude 5.5 was recorded shortly after the initial quake. Initial reports indicated damage to the US Embassy in Vanuatu. Authorities in Japan and New Zealand assessed potential tsunami threats but later reported no expected impact on their shores.