Vanuatu: 7.3 magnitude earthquake hits Port Vila, damages US embassy; dramatic videos go viral (WATCH)
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Dec 17, 2024, 10:13 AM ISTA powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, on Tuesday morning, causing significant damage to several buildings, including one that houses foreign embassies.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, on Tuesday morning, causing significant damage to several buildings, including one that houses foreign embassies, but no immediate reports of casualties have been confirmed.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), shaking the region at around 7:17 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). The tremor was centered at Latitude 17.68 S and Longitude 168.03 E, near Vanuatu's volcanic island chain.
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.3 - 30 km W of Port-Vila, Vanuatu https://t.co/xksmFzYLKP
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes)Latest Videos
Footage shared on social media showed severe damage to a building hosting foreign diplomatic missions, including the embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand. Images showed shattered windows, collapsed concrete pillars, and structural damage, underscoring the quake's strength. However, initial reports indicated no injuries or deaths from the incident.
7.4 Earthquake damage in Vanuatu.
December 17, 2024 pic.twitter.com/8n6z0QEaQe
First floor of American Embassy in Port Vila, Vanuatu is completely gone after 7.4 earthquake. It is feared that the staff of embassy was inside.
Internet is down and many other buildings have collapsed.
December 17, 2024 pic.twitter.com/n5CAzwPoix
Vanuatu, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to seismic activity due to its volcanic origin. The region has experienced multiple earthquakes and tsunamis in the past, and its vulnerability is exacerbated by its geographic and economic situation. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has highlighted Vanuatu's susceptibility to both natural disasters and climate change, factors that limit the country's capacity to recover quickly.
This latest earthquake adds to the growing concern over the fragile infrastructure and preparedness of small island states like Vanuatu, which ranks as the most at-risk country globally on the UN's World Risk Index.
Dramatic videos of Vanuatu earthquake goes viral:
🚨🇻🇺 FOOTAGE CAPTURES POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE IN VANUATU
Newly released CCTV footage shows the intense shaking caused by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila, Vanuatu.pic.twitter.com/pngR0kBSJr https://t.co/JQ1PQJJ0w4
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu today, causing massive to infrastructure, homes, and buildings. pic.twitter.com/5aZWPBFaDj
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez)"BREAKING: Massive earthquake 🚨"
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred 54 kilometers west of Port-Vila, Vanuatu. 🌍• December 17, 1:47 UTC
• Depth of 10 km.
The tsunami threat is being assessed. Be alert and safe! pic.twitter.com/oEL2Nhwcvx
Buildings collapsed in Port Vila, Vanuatu after strong 7.4 earthquake.
Rescuers trying to reach trapped people. pic.twitter.com/UCbRiW6bLb
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu, causing widespread destruction and Multiple Buildings Collapse in Port Vila,Vanuatu 🇻🇺
Third video of US Embassy in Vanuatu, showing extensive damage https://t.co/ukU7BtmCZP pic.twitter.com/1vDwo4hae2
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