Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:08pm on 17 Dec 2024,Tuesday Weather & Environment
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday, causing landslides and flattening buildings, including one housing Western embassies. Power and mobile networks remain down, making it hard to assess the full damage. Reports say at least one person has died, and many others are injured. Cars were crushed, homes cracked, and aftershocks continue to shake the region. Rescue efforts are ongoing with limited resources. The US, UK, and New Zealand embassies sustained damage. Airlines have cancelled flights to Port Vila. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as recovery continues.