Vanuatu Hit by Magnitude 7.5 and 6.0 Earthquakes

Earthquake Damage at the New Zealand High Commission, Port Vila.

At 4.25pm on Wednesday 10 August an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck 25km North West of Efate Island, home to Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, and the New Zealand High Commission.  While there have been no incidents of serious injury or major infrastructural damage reported, a number of sizable aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.0 just before 3.30pm local time on Thursday 11 August, have continued to rattle Port Vila.  Although the frequency and size of the aftershocks is reducing, we recommend those planning to travel to Vanuatu check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Safe Travel website at www.safetravel.govt.nz before departure.