A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing significant damage, writes A2 CNN. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 57.1 kilometers and struck the island shortly after noon, local time. The magnitude was initially reported higher, but was later revised to 7.3.
Videos shared on social media, verified by CNN, show the first floor of the US embassy building partially damaged, with broken windows and debris scattered everywhere.
Vanuatu, an island nation of about 330,000 people, consists of a group of 80 islands scattered in the Pacific Ocean. The capital Port Vila, with 36,000 inhabitants, was one of the areas most affected by the strong tremors.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced that trained volunteers are on the ground to help affected communities. Katie Greenwood, a regional representative based in Fiji, said significant damage had been reported in the capital.
According to the USGS, the earthquake triggered a "yellow alert" for economic losses and casualties, meaning a local or regional response is needed. Economic losses have been estimated to be between 1% and 10% of Vanuatu's GDP.
Government services and contact with public institutions in Vanuatu were disrupted following the earthquake, while tsunami warnings were cancelled. The earthquake, which severely affected 73,000 people, is likely to require immediate intervention for support and reconstruction. (A2 Televizion)
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