A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu on December 22, 2024, just hours before commercial flights were set to resume, following a previous deadly quake earlier in the week. The new tremor occurred at approximately 40 kilometers deep, with its epicenter located about 30 kilometers west of the capital, Port Vila. Fortunately, no tsunami alerts were issued.
This earthquake follows a 7.3 magnitude quake that struck on December 19, resulting in the loss of 12 lives and significant infrastructure damage, particularly in Port Vila and on the island of Efate. The government had declared a seven-day state of emergency and imposed a night curfew in response to the earlier disaster.
As of now, the Vanuatu disaster management agency reported 210 injuries and nearly 1,700 individuals temporarily displaced. The first quake severely disrupted communication networks, complicating aid efforts and access to essential supplies.
King Charles of the United Kingdom expressed his condolences regarding the tragic loss of life due to the earlier quake, reflecting on the resilience of the Vanuatu people in the face of repeated natural disasters.