A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital of Port Vila on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said, initially sparking a tsunami warning that has now been lifted.
The quake struck 30km west of the capital at a depth of 57.1km, the USGS said, and was followed by a magnitude 5.5 aftershock nearby.
The US Tsunami Warning System cancelled the tsunami warning for the archipelagic nation, which is comprised of 80 islands that are home to about 330,000 people.
Authorities in neighbouring New Zealand and Australia said there was no tsunami threat to their countries, Reuters reported.
Footage posted on social media showed buckled windows and collapsed concrete pillars on a building hosting foreign missions in the capital, including the US, British, French and New Zealand embassies. Reuters was able to confirm the location from the colour of the building, window panels and tree line that matched file imagery.
One witness reported a landslide on a coastal road near Port Vila.
There were no initial reports of injuries or deaths.
Vanuatu government websites were offline in the aftermath of the quake and phone numbers for the police and other public agencies did not connect.
Australia’s bureau of meteorology ruled out a tsunami threat on its coastlines. Australian authorities advised travellers: “If you’re in the affected area, move to higher ground. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.”
New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency also ruled out a tsunami threat.
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