A massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday, causing extensive damage and claiming at least one life, according to Reuters.
The quake, described as “the most violent” in recent memory by local journalist Dan McGarry, triggered landslides and left vehicles crushed under collapsed buildings.
Products lie scattered across the floor following a strong earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu, December 17, 2024 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Tana Plaza Pharmacy/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Footage from Vanuatu’s state broadcaster VBTC revealed widespread devastation, including concrete pillars collapsing on a building that hosts embassies from the U.S., U.K., France, and New Zealand.
The U.S. Embassy sustained “considerable damage” and has been closed indefinitely, while New Zealand’s High Commission also reported “significant damage,” adds Reuters.
Landslides blocked key roads, including the route to Port Vila’s international shipping terminal, hindering rescue and relief operations. Multiple aftershocks rattled the region, though none matched the intensity of the initial quake.
Goods lie scattered across the floor following a strong earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu, December 17, 2024 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Tana Plaza Pharmacy/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Communications outages across the island nation have made it difficult to confirm casualty figures or assess the full extent of the damage. Meanwhile, authorities in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. ruled out a tsunami threat.
Relief efforts are underway as the island grapples with the aftermath of this devastating disaster.
