Vanuatu earthquake: US and UK embassies among damaged buildings

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday (December 17), causing massive destruction and severe damage to buildings, including a complex housing several Western embassies, including the United States Embassy, the British High Commission, the French Embassy and New Zealand. The Zeeland High Commission was among the damaged buildings in the same complex.

The US Embassy confirmed “considerable damage” and said the building would remain closed until further notice, although all staff had been safely evacuated.

The earthquake caused significant destruction in Port Vila, triggered tsunami warnings and left one person dead. Aftershocks with magnitudes between 4.7 and 5.5 continue to shake the region.

The US Embassy in Papua New Guinea reassured in a statement: “Although the US Embassy building sustained significant damage, all staff were able to safely evacuate the building,” it said. indicated in a press release published Tuesday on social networks.

Vanuatu resident Michael Thompson described the devastation: “The ground floor of the embassy building no longer exists. It’s completely flat. The three upper floors are still standing but have fallen.

Authorities in Australia and New Zealand confirmed there was no tsunami threat to their countries and pledged their support to Vanuatu. “Vanuatu is a family and we will always be there in times of need,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said. Similarly, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, “Our hearts go out to the people and authorities of Vanuatu,” while closely monitoring the situation.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported at least four aftershocks after the main quake, with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5. Photos shared by AFP show the collapsed ground floor of the embassy complex, highlighting the scale of the destruction.

Authorities continue to assess the damage as aftershocks persist, further adding to the challenges residents face.

(With the contribution of agencies)