A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Port Vila today just outside the capital of Vanuatu sending shockwaves up and down the island nation and raising fears of a potential tsunami problem from now on.
Initial accounts by global seismic monitoring agencies revealed the earthquake took place at very shallow depth, which often corresponds to stronger surface shaking and potential damage. The tremors could be felt in neighboring locations too, especially close to Loganville.
Residents at Port Vila rushed out of buildings as the ground shook violently for several seconds. There are no established and immediate accounts of damage or deaths, we can only report on our ground, the weather in Port Vila is good, it has become really bad, it is more and more serious. ’[
Tsunami Warning Status
Following the earthquake, tsunami monitoring centers measured the chances of dangerous sea waves. Although the earthquake was strong at first, there was very little chance that a tsunami struck the coastal area. But coastal residents were asked to remain alert and heed local authority advice.
In certain cases, precautionary advisories are issued upon magnitude 7 earthquakes in the Pacific Ring of Fire with Vanuatu in the heart of the country. Sea levels and earthquake activity are being kept monitored for extra variables.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
Local disaster management teams are on site to look around infrastructure such as roads, buildings and communication lines, they tell us. Residents should continue to watch out for damaged structures and in advance as I believe something might shake out.
Vanuatu is also at high risk of natural disasters: earthquakes, cyclones and volcanoes. Given its position on tectonic plate plate boundaries, earthquakes are frequent in this region.
What Residents Should Do
Officials have advised people to:
- Stay away from coastal areas until further updates
- Follow official advisories and emergency alerts
- Prepare for aftershocks
- Avoid entering damaged buildings
So, as we assess the situation more details are expected regarding any damage, casualties, or changes in tsunami warnings.
