A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, triggering landslides, crushing vehicles, and flattening numerous buildings, including a complex housing several Western embassies.
According to the sources of Leaders team, power and mobile networks have been cut across the country, and while the full extent of the damage remains unclear, there are unconfirmed reports of at least one fatality.
Dan McGarry, a journalist in Port Vila, described the quake as “the biggest one… in more than 20 years,” reporting serious injuries among residents. “Emergency services are going to be busy for a while. We have limited equipment and capabilities here [in Vanuatu],”. Police at the Vila Central Hospital reportedly confirmed one death, with expectations that the toll could rise.
Footage from state broadcaster VBTC showed dozens of people outside the hospital, some lying on gurneys awaiting treatment. Michael Thompson, director of a local adventure company, described “multiple buildings” collapsed and bodies in the streets. His wife, Amanda Thompson, recounted the terrifying moment: “The house has giant cracks all through it, sliding glass doors are smashed… We are feeling a lot of aftershocks, and each one makes us run out the door to open air.”
As per the reports of the Leaders team, the earthquake caused significant damage to embassies housed in the same complex, including the U.S. Embassy, the British High Commission, the French Embassy, and the New Zealand High Commission. U.S. officials confirmed “considerable damage” to their building, though all staff evacuated safely.
Australia’s Jetstar airline canceled a flight from Sydney to Port Vila due to potential damage to airport infrastructure. Meanwhile, authorities in Australia and New Zealand assured there was no tsunami threat to their countries.
The U.S. Geological Survey recorded at least four aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5, in the two hours following the initial quake, which struck at a shallow depth of 10km (6.2 miles).
Australia and New Zealand have offered immediate support. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized solidarity, stating, “Vanuatu is family, and we will always be there in times of need.” New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed concern, saying, “Our thoughts are with the people and authorities of Vanuatu.”
Located in the Pacific’s seismically active “Ring of Fire,” Vanuatu regularly experiences large earthquakes and natural disasters. Despite the devastation, McGarry added, “People in Vanuatu deal with natural disasters on a yearly basis. It’s in our blood. We’ll get through this, although not without some suffering.”
