Damage as 7.3 magnitude earthquake hits Vanuatu | Vanuatu

A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu's capital Port Vila on Tuesday, prompting a tsunami warning that was initially issued but has now been lifted, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake struck 30 kilometers west of the capital at a depth of 57.1 kilometers, and was followed by a 5.5-magnitude aftershock nearby, according to the USGS.

The U.S. tsunami warning system has lifted the tsunami warning for the archipelago of 80 islands, home to about 330,000 people.

Authorities in neighboring New Zealand and Australia said there was no tsunami threat to their countries, Reuters reported.

Footage posted on social media showed windows buckling and concrete pillars collapsing in buildings housing the capital's foreign missions, including the embassies of the United States, Britain, France and New Zealand. Reuters was able to identify the location by the color of buildings, window panels and tree lines that matched file images.

One witness reported a landslide on the coastal road near Port Vila.

There were no initial reports of injuries or deaths.

The Vanuatu government's website was offline due to the earthquake, and phone numbers for police and other public agencies were also unreachable.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has ruled out a tsunami threat for the coastline. Australian authorities are telling travelers: “If you are in an affected area, please move to higher ground. Please monitor local media for updates and follow advice from local authorities.”

New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency also ruled out a tsunami threat.

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