Maps show how a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific island of Vanuatu

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A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the South Pacific island of Vanuatu on Tuesday.

The tsunami warning was lifted less than two hours after the earthquake. However, as communications continued to be cut off after hours and official updates were limited, reports of casualties began to emerge on social media and through intermittent phone calls.

Why does it matter?

Vanuatu is a group of 80 islands inhabited by about 330 thousand people.

The extent of the damage caused or the number of victims was not immediately clear because phone lines and government websites remained cut off.

Map showing earthquake intensity at peak ground acceleration (PGA), expressed as a percentage of Earth's gravity (%g). A PGA of 50% g means that Earth's acceleration is equal to 50% of Earth's gravity. Higher values ​​for… Map showing earthquake intensity at peak ground acceleration (PGA), as a percentage of Earth's gravity (%g). A PGA of 50% g means that Earth's acceleration is equal to 50% of Earth's gravity. Higher PGA values ​​indicate stronger vibration and greater potential for damage to structures. More USGS What to Know

The quake occurred at a depth of 35 miles, and its epicenter was 18 miles west of Port Vila, the largest city in Vanuatu.

A 5.5-magnitude aftershock followed shortly after, and the tremors continued throughout the afternoon and evening local time.

Residents were advised to avoid the coast for at least 24 hours or until tsunami and earthquake monitoring systems are fully operational again.

Map showing Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu.

Video footage from the Vanuatu Broadcasting Corporation showed crowds gathered outside Vila Central Hospital.

Telephone lines failed to contact police, hospitals and other public services.

It was not immediately possible to verify reports of people trapped in the collapsed buildings.

One video circulated on social media shows collapsed buildings in Port Vila, including a structure that collapsed onto cars.

Map showing earthquakes near Vanuatu with USGS magnitude 2.5+ in the past day. Video footage from the Vanuatu Broadcasting Corporation showed crowds gathered outside Vila Central Hospital. Map showing earthquakes near Vanuatu with USGS magnitude 2.5+ in the past day. Video footage from the Vanuatu Broadcasting Corporation showed crowds gathered outside Vila Central Hospital. US Geological Survey

A spokesman for the Red Cross in Fiji said that the head of the organization's office in Vanuatu reported serious damage before communications were cut off.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a building housing several diplomatic missions, including the missions of the United States, Britain, France and New Zealand, was severely damaged.

A landslide near an international shipping terminal in Port Vila, Vanuatu following a strong earthquake on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Videos posted online showed structural damage, with windows twisted and debris scattered on the ground. A landslide near an international shipping terminal in Port Vila, Vanuatu following a strong earthquake on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Videos posted online showed structural damage, with windows twisted and debris scattered on the ground. Dan McGarry/AP

Officials are working to hold employees at the New Zealand High Commission accountable, while the US Embassy announced on its Facebook page that its office will be closed until further notice.

Videos posted online showed structural damage, with windows blown out and debris scattered on the ground.

Additional photos and videos showed landslides blocking roads and objects scattered on store floors.

Map showing USGS magnitude 2.5+ earthquakes in the past day. Vanuatu's location in a subduction zone means that earthquakes of magnitude greater than 6 are not uncommon. (Source: USGS) Map showing USGS magnitude 2.5+ earthquakes in the past day. Vanuatu's location in a subduction zone means that earthquakes of magnitude greater than 6 are not uncommon. (Source: USGS) What people are saying

Port Vila journalist Dan McGarry said he heard about a person dying in the quake from a police officer outside Vila Central Hospital. McGarry saw three people on stretchers “in apparent distress.” He added that doctors were working “as quickly as possible” at the triage center outside the emergency ward.

According to McGarry, the country is not prepared for a major casualty event, and a “massive landslide” at the international cargo terminal is likely to hamper the country's recovery, and the airport runway has also been damaged.

“I think it could have been worse,” he said, but added that this was the most dangerous he had seen in his 21 years in Vanuatu “by a long way.”

The interior of a damaged building is seen in Port Vila, Vanuatu, following a strong earthquake on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Additional photos and videos showed landslides blocking roads and objects scattered across floors… The interior of a damaged building is seen in Port Vila, Vanuatu , following a strong earthquake on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Additional photos and videos showed landslides blocking roads and objects scattered across store floors. More Tim Cutler/AP

Katie Greenwood, head of the Fiji-based Red Cross regional office for Asia and the Pacific, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that Port Vila's downtown area was full of large buildings and hotels: “We haven't heard of anything at the moment.” Casualties, but I would be shocked if we don't hear that bad news coming out of Port Vila at some point.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong told reporters that Australian High Commission staff were fine: “We will provide all assistance required.” “I say to the people of Vanuatu, you are family and Australia is here to help.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said 45 New Zealanders were registered as being in Vanuatu, and his government was “deeply concerned” about the situation there.

What happens next

Vanuatu's location in a subduction zone – where the Indo-Australian plate slides beneath the Pacific plate – makes earthquakes exceeding magnitude 6 common.

State buildings are generally designed to withstand some degree of seismic activity.

The extent of the damage and the number of victims will become clearer once official communication channels are reopened.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

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