Official announcements from the government of Vanuatu or international news agencies

7.4 Magnitude Quake Hits Vanuatu: Casualties, Embassies Damaged, At Least One Dead

Dec 17, 2024, 07:49 AM

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on December 17, causing significant damage and casualties in the capital, Port Vila. The quake occurred approximately 30 kilometers west of Port Vila at a depth of 43 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey. Significant aftershocks were reported, including a magnitude 5.5 tremor. Multiple buildings were damaged, including a complex that houses the US, French, British, and New Zealand embassies. The US Embassy suffered 'considerable damage' and was closed, while the French Embassy was reportedly destroyed. The Australian High Commission was evacuated. The quake caused landslides, collapsed bridges, deformed roads, and crushed vehicles. Power and mobile networks were down, leading to communication outages. At least one person was reported dead, and witnesses reported seeing bodies in the city. Injured people arrived at hospitals as reports of casualties emerged. Tsunami warnings were issued but later canceled.