A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), caused visible damage to buildings, including one housing the United States embassy.
Footage shared on social media revealed buckled windows and collapsed concrete pillars at a structure hosting several foreign missions, including the embassies of the United States, Britain, France, and New Zealand. Reuters verified the location by matching the building's features, such as its color, window panels, and surrounding tree line, with existing file imagery.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities. The US Tsunami Warning System initially issued a tsunami warning for Vanuatu but later canceled it. Authorities in neighboring countries, including New Zealand and Australia, confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to their territories. Similarly, USGS reported no tsunami risk for the US territories of Guam and American Samoa.
Authorities continue to assess the situation as further updates become available.