An earthquake of magnitude 7.3 occurred in Vanuatu

Port Vila-based journalist Dan McGarry said he was told by police at Vila Central Hospital that one person had died.

McGarry, who was stationed at X, said he saw three people who were “seriously injured” awaiting treatment at the hospital. He added that the earthquake was “the biggest earthquake I have seen in 20+ years”.

Images shared on social media show collapsed buildings, cars hit by falling panels and furniture strewn on floors inside homes. Residents report that communications have been disrupted.

According to photos posted online, the US Embassy in Port Vila is among the damaged buildings.

US officials said the building was “significantly damaged” and would remain closed until further notice.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this earthquake, and the US government will work closely with our partners in Vanuatu,” the embassy in Papua New Guinea said in a statement.

Michael Thompson, director of the Vanuatu Jungle Zipline adventure company, told the AFP news agency he saw bodies lying on the streets.

“Many buildings have collapsed around the city. There is a huge rescue operation on the road to clear people who may be alive in the building,” Mr Thompson said in a separate video posted on Facebook.

“Most communications are gone.”

The USGS reported at least four aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.7 to 5.5 around Port Vila within two hours of the first quake.

The authorities of neighboring New Zealand and Australia said that there is no danger of tsunami for their countries.

Australia also said it was “ready to support Vanuatu as the extent of the damage is assessed”.

“Vanuatu is a family and we will always be there in times of need,” wrote Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Vanuatu, a low-lying archipelago of about 80 islands, is located in a seismically active area and is prone to frequent large earthquakes and other natural disasters.