Powerful Earthquake Rocks Vanuatu, Damaging U.S. embassy
Port Vila, vanuatu – A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu Tuesday, causing notable damage to buildings in the capital, Port Vila, including the U.S. Embassy.
The quake, which hit at 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT), was centered 57.1 kilometers below the ocean floor, according to the U.S. Geological survey.
At least one fatality has been reported,and several peopel have been injured and transported to local hospitals,according to police.”It was the most violent earthquake I’ve experienced in my 21 years in Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands,” said dan McGarry, a journalist with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, who is based in Vanuatu. “I’ve seen manny large earthquakes, but never one like this.”
The temblor was followed by two aftershocks measuring 5.5 and 5.4 magnitude. The U.S.-based Pacific tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami warning for Vanuatu, predicting waves of 0.3 to 1 meter above tide level, but later canceled the alert.
The U.S. Embassy in Port Vila announced that its building sustained “considerable damage” and will remain closed until further notice.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by this earthquake, and the U.S. government is working closely with our partners in Vanuatu,” the embassy said in a statement.
Internet connectivity in Vanuatu was severely disrupted following the earthquake, according to NetBlocks, an independent cybersecurity observatory. Government websites have not yet been updated with details about the quake.
Social media posts from residents showed the extent of the damage, including images of a pharmacy in Port Vila with collapsed shelves and debris.
Stéphane Rivier, a Port Vila resident, shared photos of his home, which he estimated suffered 90% damage. “The earthquake was extremely violent,” Rivier said. “I only had time to grab my son’s hand and run to the garage, but we fell to the ground trying to reach my wife.”
He reported experiencing 10 to 12 aftershocks as the initial quake.
the U.S. Embassy urged Americans in Vanuatu to follow the guidance of local authorities regarding safety precautions,tsunami warnings,and evacuation orders.
After the Quake: A Conversation with a Vanuatu Resident
NewsDirectory3.com: The 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu Tuesday caused widespread damage and shook residents to their core. We spoke with Stéphane Rivier, a Port Vila resident, about his experience.
NewsDirectory3.com: Stéphane, can you describe what happened when the earthquake hit?
Stéphane Rivier: It was extremely violent. I only had time to grab my son’s hand and run to the garage,but we fell to the ground trying to reach my wife.
NewsDirectory3.com: How badly was your home damaged?
Stéphane Rivier: I would estimate about 90%.
NewsDirectory3.com: Did you experience any aftershocks?
Stéphane Rivier: Yes, I felt about 10 to 12 after the initial quake.
NewsDirectory3.com: What are the biggest challenges you and your community are facing right now?
Stéphane Rivier: Right now, it’s about safety and making sure everyone is accounted for. We’re also dealing with the shock of it all. It was a terrifying experience, and the damage is extensive.
