Photo: EARTHQUAKES USGS. GOV
A large 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Vanuatu's capital Port Vila on Tuesday, shortly after 3pm NZT.
The US Geological Survey says quake was recorded at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles).
Locals are sharing footage of damage to infrastructure in Port Vila.
According to one post on Vanuatu Dialogue Live Facebook group, the building which is occupied by diplomatic embassies has suffered significant damages.
There are also reports of people trapped under buildings that have collapsed from the shake.
Buildings collapsed in Port Vila, Vanuatu after strong 7.4 earthquake.
— Disasters Daily (@DisastersAndI) December 17, 2024
Rescuers trying to reach trapped people. #earthquake #Vanuatu #terremoto #sismo pic.twitter.com/UCbRiW6bLb
Tsunami waves
The US Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii said tsunami waves have been observed and are forecast for some coasts.
It expects tsunami waves reaching one meter are possible for some coasts of Vanuatu.
The tsunami is expected to reach the Anatom Island and Esperitu Santo in Vanuatu anytime from 1.30pm local time.
While Fiji, Kermadic Islands, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna are forecast for tsunami waves less than 30 centimetres.
It said the coastal regions of Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and the CNMI should refer to Pacific Tsunami Warning Center messages.
Massive earthquake in Port Vila just now.
— Dan McGarry (@VanuatuDan) December 17, 2024
