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.