Vanuatu: Initial reports indicate damage and potential casualties following magnitude-7.3 offshore earthquake near Port Vila Dec. 17 /update 3

Initial reports indicate structural damage and several collapsed building, including compounds housing foreign consulates, in Port Vila Dec. 17 following a magnitude-7.3 offshore earthquake at around 12:47 earlier the same day. Witness reports suggest casualties, though officials have yet to confirm details. Local accounts also indicate a potential landslide near Port Vila's wharf, and possible communication and network outages.

The earthquake's epicenter was in the Coral Sea, about 30 km (19 miles) west of Port Vila, at a depth of about 43 km (27 miles). It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas.

Aftershocks are likely over the coming days; at least two aftershocks greater than magnitude 5.0 have occurred following the initial tremor. Further shaking may cause additional damage to weakened structures and power and water supply infrastructure, particularly in areas near the epicenter. Disruptions to road travel may persist for several days as officials repair and clear blocked routes.