US Embassy seriously damaged in Vanuatu earthquake

A forceful 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook the capital of Vanuatu damaging the newly established US Embassy on Tuesday.

Authorities reported the earthquake at 12:53 p.m. and subsequent “aftershocks” according to an embassy alert.

“There are also reports of landslides in the Port Vila area. People are advised to avoid entering buildings as they may be damaged or unstable,” the US Embassy of Port Vila wrote.

“The U.S. Embassy in Port Vila has sustained considerable damage during the earthquake and is closed until further notice.”

Bodies have been found crushed among the rubble as emergency response teams and neighbors ventured out to help those in need.

Both Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. have offered to provide support to the Vanuatu which has approximately 330,000 citizens.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this earthquake, and the U.S. government will work closely with our partners in Vanuatu,” the U.S. Embassy of Port Moresby wrote in a statement on X, confirming all Embassy personnel in the building at the time of the earthquake were safe.

“We stand ready to assist the government of Vanuatu if requested.”

The United States opened its embassy in Port Vila in July.

Vanuatu has worked to overcome various natural disasters in recent years stemming from its location in the Pacific Ocean. The country rests above two tectonic plates that shift frequently resulting in earthquakes that often measure above a 6 in magnitude.

Topics

Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Hits Vanuatu, Triggering Internet Outages

A tsunami alert was lifted for the Pacific island nation, but government websites were offline after the quake. The U.S. Embassy building was seriously damaged, officials said.
The New York Times - 2h
WATCH: CCTV shows earthquake rock Vanuatu

CCTV video shows homes and businesses shaking as a 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the Pacific island of Vanuatu, causing widespread damage.
ABC News - 6h
Powerful earthquake hits South Pacific island of Vanuatu

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has rocked the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, cutting off communication in many areas and triggering at least one massive landslide.
CBS News - 5h
7.3 magnitude earthquake damages US Embassy in Vanuatu

The embassy "sustained considerable damage during the earthquake and is closed until further notice," U.S. officials said in a statement.
ABC News - 6h
Magnitude 7.3 earthquake causes widespread damage in Pacific island nation of Vanuatu

A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake has struck just off the coast of Vanuatu, causing widespread destruction in the South Pacific island nation
ABC News - 7h
Buildings flattened as 7.3 magnitude earthquake hits Vanuatu

The extent of damage remains unclear, but there are unconfirmed reports of at least one death.
BBC News - 10h
USGS says magnitude 7.3 earthquake hits near Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean

USGS says magnitude 7.3 earthquake hits near Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean
ABC News - 15h
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake shakes Chile but there are no reports of damage

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake has shaken central Chile but there have been no immediate reports of damage and a tsunami had been ruled out
ABC News - 3d
Moment earthquake hits California and damages store

A tsunami warning was cancelled after the 7.0 magnitude quake shook parts of the West coast.
BBC News - Dec. 5