According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the southwestern Pacific island nation of Vanuatu at 12:47 PM local time on the 17th (9:47 AM in Malaysia). The epicenter was located 30 kilometers off the coast west of the capital Port Vila, with a depth of approximately 43 kilometers.
The United States Embassy in Vanuatu was severely damaged in the quake. The earthquake resulted in at least one death and several injuries.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a purple alert representing a "potential tsunami threat," which was later canceled. The alert covered coastal areas within 300 kilometers of the earthquake's epicenter, urging local government agencies to take action, including notifying or guiding coastal residents at risk based on their assessments.
On a street lined with retail shops, a collapsed building could be seen, with vehicles crushed beneath.
On a street lined with retail shops, a collapsed building could be seen, with vehicles crushed beneath.
Authorities in Vanuatu's neighboring countries New Zealand and Australia stated that neither nation was under tsunami threat.
Vanuatu is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes frequently occur due to tectonic plate collisions.