One confirmed death after Vanuatu earthquake

Reports are coming through that there is a confirmed death after the earthquake in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.

Local journalist, Dan McGarry confirms that that there has been at least one death.

He says a triage centre had been set up outside the emergency ward of Vila Central Hospital.

McGarry says he saw three people seriously injured on gurneys waiting treatment.

The 7.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck at a depth of 57km, occurred 30km to the west of the capital Port Vila at 1.47pm, according to the US Geological Survey.

The region was hit by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock six minutes later.

Vanuatu government websites were offline in the aftermath of the quake.

A video posted on social media appeared to show a building housing some diplomatic missions to Vanuatu — including those of New Zealand, Britain and France — with damage to the structure, including buckled window frames and debris that had crumbled from walls to the ground.

In a video posted to Facebook, Michael Thompson gave an account of the aftermath in Port Vila.

He said there's multiple buildings that have come down around town.

Photo:VBTC

Thompson said he is able to access Facebook via Starlink.

A tsunami watch was issued for Fiji however this has been cancelled.

Photo:VBTC

There was no tsunami warning issued for Fiji.

Source : NZ One News