A significant earthquake struck the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing extensive damage in the capital, Port Vila. The quake, registering a magnitude of 7.3 and occurring at a depth of 57 kilometers (approximately 35 miles), hit roughly 30 kilometers off Efate, Vanuatu’s main island, at 12:47 PM local time.

Witnesses reported severe structural damage, including the collapse of the ground floor of a building that housed the US and French embassies. Resident Michael Thompson informed media outlets that he witnessed bodies on the streets amidst the destruction. He also mentioned a landslide that had buried a bus, indicating potential fatalities in that area.

Thompson described the scene as devastating, noting that the building which once housed diplomatic missions was now flat on the ground. Although the top three floors remained intact, they had been compromised, raising concerns for anyone who might have been inside at the time of the quake. Communication was severely affected, with most mobile networks down.

Rescue operations are underway, with authorities seeking assistance for medical evacuations and skilled personnel experienced in earthquake rescues. Video footage shared by Thompson depicted uniformed rescuers and emergency responders attending to damaged structures. Streets in the city were littered with debris and shattered glass.

Initially, a tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake, with potential waves of up to one meter predicted for certain areas of Vanuatu; however, this warning was later lifted by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Vanuatu, home to around 320,000 people, is located on the Ring of Fire, a region known for its seismic activity. This archipelago faces high risks from natural disasters, including earthquakes, storms, flooding, and tsunamis, as noted in the annual World Risk Report.

While the situation remains concerning, the resilience of the local community and the swift response from emergency services provide a glimmer of hope for recovery in the aftermath of this disaster. The international community may also rally to support Vanuatu as its leaders and citizens work to rebuild in the coming days.