A 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit near Port Vila, Vanuatu's largest city, on Tuesday, December 16. CNN



A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing damage to several buildings, including the recently opened U.S. embassy in the capital city of Port Vila. The quake, which hit just after noon local time, occurred at a depth of 57 kilometers (35 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The magnitude was initially reported as higher but was later revised.
Social media videos showed visible damage to the U.S. embassy building. A part of the ground floor appeared to have partially collapsed, leaving debris scattered, shattered windows, and visible cracks. The embassy’s crest, which is usually a symbol of stability, was surrounded by wreckage. Efforts to contact the U.S. State Department for further information were ongoing.

Katie Greenwood, a regional head for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, confirmed that reports of damage had been received from Port Vila. “Trained Red Cross volunteers are already on the ground and ready to assist affected communities with pre-positioned relief items,” she stated on social media.

Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation comprising around 80 islands and home to 330,000 people, is no stranger to seismic activity. It sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The USGS issued a "yellow alert," indicating moderate economic damage and the potential for some casualties. It warned that the earthquake's impact would likely remain localized. Around 73,000 people in total experienced strong shaking, with about half of them located in Port Vila, the epicenter of the earthquake's effects.

While tsunami warnings were initially triggered, they were soon canceled. The National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was “no longer a tsunami threat” but cautioned that slight sea level changes could occur in coastal areas close to the epicenter for a few hours.

The aftermath of the quake has disrupted communication. Vanuatu government websites went offline, and phone lines to the police and other key agencies were unresponsive. Official updates from the country’s geohazards agency and prime minister’s office were also missing, leaving residents relying on reports from humanitarian organizations and international sources.

The U.S. embassy in Vanuatu, which sustained damage, only opened in July this year. Its launch marked a key effort by the United States to strengthen its presence in the Pacific region amid growing geopolitical competition with China. The State Department had previously emphasized that the embassy’s opening was aimed at improving ties with Pacific nations and building diplomatic networks in the region. Prior to Vanuatu, the U.S. opened embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga.

Vanuatu, while resilient in the face of natural disasters, faces economic challenges, especially after events like this earthquake. The USGS estimates economic losses from the quake could range between 1% and 10% of the country’s GDP, further adding to recovery concerns.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Airstrike On Gaza School Kills 27, Says Health Officials

At least 27 people died after an airstrike hit a school in Gaza City. The building, Dar al-Arqam school, was....

Survivors Found Days After Myanmar’s Deadly Earthquake

Two men have been rescued from the rubble in Myanmar, more than five days after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake....

South Korea's President Yoon Removed Over Martial Law Move

South Korea’s top court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday. The decision came four months after he....

India Passes Controversial Bill Changing Muslim Endowment Rules Amid Opposition

India’s parliament passed a bill on Thursday that changes the rules for managing Muslim charitable endowments known as waqfs. Prime....

Gaza hit by deadly strikes as Israel pushes new military route

Israel's prime minister announced an expansion of military operations in Gaza, aiming to put more pressure on Hamas. Deadly airstrikes....

Deadly Storms And Tornadoes Threaten Millions Across The U.S.

Strong, warm winds blowing at 50 mph swept into southwestern Tennessee on Wednesday, knocking out power for thousands. This was....

Putin Orders 160,000 New Troops As Ukraine War Intensifies

Russia is launching one of its biggest military recruitment drives in years. President Vladimir Putin has signed an order to....

Trump Places Tariffs On Remote Islands Near Antarctica

A group of isolated volcanic islands near Antarctica, covered in ice and home only to penguins, is now caught in....

Israel Expands Gaza Operation To Seize Large Areas, Orders Mass Evacuations

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Wednesday a major expansion of the military operation in Gaza. The plan includes....

Palestinian Man Tortured To Death After Criticizing Hamas, Family Says

A 22-year-old Palestinian man, Uday Rabie, was tortured and killed after publicly criticizing Hamas and joining protests against the group....

Iceland Volcano Erupts, Forcing Evacuations Near Grindavik

A powerful volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland has forced residents and tourists to evacuate. The volcano erupted early in the....

U.S. Seeks Death Penalty For Luigi Mangione In CEO’s Murder

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has ordered federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione. He is accused....