A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread damage in the capital Port Vila. Aftershocks continue to rattle the region, with several tremors reported overnight. Communication outages and power disruptions are hampering rescue efforts. The US embassy building, housing diplomatic posts for several nations, sustained significant damage. While all US staff are reported safe, the full extent of casualties remains unknown.
Vanuatu has been rocked by a series of aftershocks after a powerful quake caused devastation. At lunchtime on Tuesday, a 7.3 magnitude tremor rattled nearby Port Vila for 30 seconds, causing destruction in the capital. A 5.5 magnitude aftershock hit minutes later. As of Wednesday morning, three more aftershocks have hit the region, including a 5.3 magnitude tremor striking at a depth of 41km, according to Geoscience Australia.
In a broadcast by news outlet VBTC, caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai issued a state of emergency for seven days, and instituted a curfew — except for essential services — from 6pm to 6am. It is not yet clear how many people have been injured or lost their lives, owing to telecommunications failures after the earthquake. Those that were able to communicate with the outside world were largely able to do so through Starlink, including journalist Dan McGarry.
Earthquake Vanuatu Port Vila Aftershocks Disaster Relief
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