An earthquake near Port Vila causes major damage. Collapsed structures cage people waiting for rescue.
- All Staff Are Safe Despite Aftershocks as US Embassy Closes Due to Significant Damage
- Roadblocks make it impossible for rescuers to reach trapped victims.
A strong 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu, damaging the U.S. Embassy in Port Vila and leading to major destruction throughout the South Pacific island nation.
The earthquake struck 18 miles west of the capital before 1 p.m. local time, leading to the quick closure of the U.S. Embassy due to significant damage, but all staff members were reported safe.
Important Impact Information:
• Several aftershocks noted
• No warnings for tsunamis have been given.
• Roads blocked
• Extensive damage to buildings
Michael Thompson, an Australian and owner of Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, said it was the strongest earthquake he has felt in his 20 years in the country.
“There’s been a lot of ground movement. You can see cracks in buildings, cranes tipped over, and big rocks lying by the road,” he said.
Current Emergency Response Update:
• Rescue efforts are in progress
• People stuck in debris
Landslides have been reported close to Port Vila.
• Not much rescue equipment is available
“We are thinking of everyone impacted by this earthquake, and the U.S. government will collaborate with our partners in Vanuatu,” U.S. officials said in a social media post, advising people to stay away from possibly unsafe buildings.
Current Issues:
• Restricted entry to impacted regions
• Lack of rescue equipment
• Concerns about stability
• Breaks in communication
Rescue teams are having a tough time getting to trapped victims in the center of Port Vila. Thompson says they lack the right equipment, and people are still calling out for help.