A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday afternoon, briefly triggering a tsunami warning and causing structural damage in parts of the capital, Port Vila.
The quake hit at 2:47pm local time, with its epicentre located approximately 30 kilometres west of Port Vila at a depth of 57 kilometres.
The tremors were felt widely across the island nation, which sits along the Pacific’s seismically active “Ring of Fire”.
Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, cautioning coastal communities of potential waves up to one metre above tide levels.
However, the warning was lifted two hours later, with Australian and New Zealand agencies confirming no tsunami threat to their respective coastlines.
Early reports from Port Vila show some structural damage, including buildings that partially collapsed and landslides obstructing roads.
Images shared on social media reveal vehicles crushed under debris and shop floors littered with fallen merchandise.
Communication has been challenging, with government websites offline and limited contact with public agencies.
Local officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage, while relief efforts are underway.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has mobilised volunteers to assist affected communities, supported by pre-positioned emergency supplies.
Vanuatu, home to around 330,000 people across 80 islands, is no stranger to seismic activity. Its location on the Ring of Fire makes it highly susceptible to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
