17 Dec 2024 | 03:42 AM UTC
South Pacific: Officials lift tsunami advisory following magnitude-7.3 offshore earthquake off Shefa Province, Vanuatu, Dec. 17 /update 2
Tsunami advisory lifted for Vanuatu and surrounding regions after magnitude-7.3 offshore earthquake Dec. 17. Damage reported in Port Vila.
The US Tsunami Warning System has lifted the Tsunami Threat advisory following the magnitude-7.3 offshore earthquake off Vanuatu that occurred at around 12:47 Dec. 17. Reports indicate waves of around 0.25 m (0.8 feet) reaching the coasts of Vanuatu.
The earthquake's epicenter was about 30 km (19 miles) west of Port Vila, at a depth of about 43 km (27 miles). Local accounts indicate some structural damage in Port Vila, though there have been no official confirmation of casualties. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely 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.
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.
