A devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on Tuesday, resulting in a network outage, destruction of vehicles, and severe damage to numerous buildings, including a complex in the capital city of Port Vila that houses the diplomatic missions of several Western nations, such as the United States.
The earthquake originated 30 kilometers west of Port Vila, with a depth of approximately 57.1 kilometers, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Following the main quake, a 5.5 magnitude aftershock was felt in the region.
Communication systems were disrupted, making it challenging to ascertain the official death toll. However, relief agencies indicated that at least one person lost their life, with reports of individuals trapped under rubble from collapsed buildings and landslides near the international shipping terminal in Port Vila.
Footage from the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation revealed crowds gathering outside hospitals for medical assistance, as the impact of the earthquake unfolded. Social media videos highlighted significant damage to a building housing the US Embassy and other Western embassies, with reports of partial collapses and shattered windows.
Katie Greenwood of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies described the widespread destruction, including collapsed structures in downtown Port Vila and infrastructure damage in provincial areas. Red Cross volunteers stood ready to aid affected communities.
The USGS issued yellow pagers, indicating a level 2 alert for estimated economic damage and potential fatalities. The earthquake affected 73,000 individuals, with 36,000 experiencing severe shaking in Port Vila.
Despite initial tsunami warnings, they were later rescinded, with the National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stating that there was no longer a threat. However, minor sea level fluctuations were expected in coastal regions near the earthquake epicenter.
The earthquake's impact on Vanuatu's GDP was estimated to be between 1-10%, underscoring the significant economic repercussions of the disaster. The US, which recently opened its embassy in Vanuatu in July, has been expanding its diplomatic presence in the Pacific region to enhance engagement with neighboring countries.
This catastrophic event serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of international cooperation in responding to such emergencies.
