Vanuatu’s caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has reportedly declared a seven-day state of emergency in response to the powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck near Port Vila yesterday.
The 7.3 earthquake, which struck 37 km west of Port Vila at a depth of 57 km, caused widespread damage, displacement, and has left over 10 people feared dead.
According to Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation a curfew from 6pm to 6am has been imposed in affected areas, with exceptions for essential services. The Ministry of Finance has also been instructed to redirect funds to support emergency operations, and all nine government ministries have been ordered to prioritise recovery efforts.
Salwai expressed his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities.
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General, Baron Waqa, extended solidarity to Vanuatu, stating: “We are with Vanuatu and her people through this tragedy, and we mourn with the families that have lost their loved ones. The Forum stands ready to assist and offer support during this very difficult time.”
Local and international agencies have also mobilised to assist in the relief efforts, and regional experts are warning of potential aftershocks and secondary hazards such as landslides and soil liquefaction.
Expert Insights on the Earthquake
Professor Mark Stirling, Chair of Earthquake Science at the University of Otago, described the region as one of the world’s most seismically active areas due to the fast-moving subduction zone between the Vanuatu microplate and the Australian plate.
“This earthquake was significantly smaller than the magnitude >8 earthquakes that can generate tsunamis. However, it produced damaging high-frequency shaking, which explains the observed building damage,” Prof. Stirling said.
Dr. Behzad Fatahi, an earthquake engineering expert at the University of Technology Sydney, noted the strong intensity of the ground motion near Port Vila, which likely caused cracks in masonry walls and instability in older structures.
“Temporary structures and vulnerable buildings need careful inspection to ensure safety,”* he advised, warning of potential aftershocks.
The quake has left a significant mark on Vanuatu’s capital. Reports indicate several injuries, including victims evacuated from the collapsed Billabong Store. Emergency services have been stretched, with some patients transferred from the VMF Medical Center to Vila Central Hospital for treatment.
Associate Professor Fabio Capitanio of Monash University compared the earthquake’s energy release to the explosion of Mount St. Helens in 1980. While Vanuatu has a history of high seismic activity, he noted that the region typically experiences low seismic damage.
As the government and local agencies work to provide aid and assess the damage, experts urge vigilance. Associate Professor Kasper van Wijk from the University of Auckland highlighted the potential for aftershocks and advised continued monitoring.
A tsunami warning issued for the Pacific region, including Fiji, has since been lifted.
Photos: VBTC News
