Vanuatu earthquake: Australia’s Port Vila embassy evacuated amid earthquake terror

A number of people are believed to have died and buildings — including one that houses the New Zealand, Britain, France and the US embassies — have been destroyed after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Vanuatu.

The quake hit 29km west of the country’s capital Port Vila on the island of Efate at a depth of 10km at 12.47pm local time.

It was followed by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock close by.

Dan McGarry, a Vanuatu-based journalist, said there was no doubt there had been casualties from the tremor.

“There are buildings down here so I’m expecting the casualty figure to rise,” he told AAP.

“I know of one fatality according to police stationed at Port Vila Central Hospital, and I saw with my own eyes three others on gurneys, several others walking around, walking wounded.

“I think it will probably be in the dozens, altogether dead and wounded.”

The earthquake also impacted communications, with AP reporting government websites were offline in the immediate aftermath of the tremor, as are local media outlets.

“There is limited connectivity through one of our telecommunications carriers, the other one is entirely offline and power is out through the entire capital,” Mr McGarry said.

A tsunami warning issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tsunami warning system has now been lifted.

The ABC has reported the Australian embassy building was evacuated in the wake of the natural disaster.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said they were urgently seeking information from the Australian High Commission in Port Vila to ascertain the impact of the earthquake on any Australians in Vanuatu and the local population.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia was closely monitoring the situation.

“We stand ready to support Vanuatu, as the extent of the damage is assessed,” she said in a statement on X. “Vanuatu is family, and we will always be there in times of need.”

In a further statement to reporters in Canberra, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Government was aware of the serious threat to the “beautiful country” of Vanuatu.

“We are thinking of the wonderful people of Vanuatu, who are worried now, battening down the hatches, dealing with the consequences of an earthquake and this tsunami warning as well,” he said.

“This news is relatively new, but we know that the wonderful people of DFAT will provide the relevant advice when they can about Australians who may be caught there,” he added.

Vision of locals making their way to higher ground is being posted to social media, along with footage of damaged buildings and debris left after the earthquake.

A building that houses the diplomatic embassies of New Zealand, Britain, France and the US, the La Casa D’Andrea e Luciano, appears to have been extensively damaged.

Footage posted shows the building with smashed windows and collapsed concrete pillars. One post suggests the entire first floor had been wiped out.

DFAT is able to provide a wide range of support, subject to need, through emergency and development programs.

Australians in Vanuatu requiring consular assistance should contact the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 6261 3305 (from overseas).

— with AAP