Vanuatu: Magnitude-5.8 earthquake strikes offshore of Vanua Lava Sept. 17

Event

A magnitude-5.8 earthquake occurred offshore of Vanua Lava island at around 21:28 Sept. 17. The epicenter was about 52 km (32 miles) north-northwest of Sola. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles) and produced strong shaking near the epicenter and other areas of Vanua Lava. Weak-to-light shaking probably occurred throughout northern and central Vanuatu. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties because of the earthquake. However, some damage is possible. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks may occur over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.