US message damaged by earthquakes in Vanuatu
US message damaged by earthquakes in Vanuatu
On Tuesday, a strong earthquake of the strength shook 7.3 Vanuatu and caused considerable damage, including at the US message in the capital Port Vila.
Details on the earthquake
The quake occurred at a depth of about 57.1 kilometers (35.5 miles) and met the Pacific Islands nation shortly after lunchtime, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The original magnitude was slightly downgraded after the first data was analyzed.
damage to the US message
Several videos spread on social media verified by CNN show damage to the building in which the US embassy is located. A section of the ground floor seems to have collapsed, while rubble around the coat of arms are scattered and several windows are broken.
aid measures on site
Katie Greenwood, the regional director of the international federation of the Red Cross and Red Mountains, which is based in Fiji, reported “Damage in the capital”. She added that "trained Red Cross volunteers are on site and are ready to help affected communities with auxiliary goods stored in advance", as they are on x wrote.
predictions for damage assessment
The US geological authority issues predictions about possible damage, known as "Pager", for strong earthquakes. The current quake triggered yellow warning messages - a level value of 2 on a scale of 4 - with regard to the estimated economic damage and possible victims. The USGS said that earlier yellow warnings "required a local or regional reaction".
affected population and reaction of the government
total of 73,000 people experienced violent vibrations. Of these, 36,000 people in Port Vila, the capital Vanuatus, were affected. The government websites of Vanuatu were offline after the quake, and the telephone numbers of the police and other public institutions were unavailable, reported the Associated Press. Social media from the country's geoscientific institute and the office of the Prime Minister have not been updated.
tsunami warnings and effects
The initial tsunami warnings were later canceled. "There is no longer any risk of tsunami due to this earthquake," reported the National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. However, it warned of "low fluctuations in the sea level that can occur in some coastal areas in the next few hours".
US message and geopolitical background
The United States only opened its message in Vanuatu in July this year, which is part of a recent intensification of its diplomatic presence in the Pacific, while with China compete with the influence of this strategically important region. At this point, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "the opening of the message is based on our efforts to create a stronger diplomatic presence in the region and to promote further relationships with our Pacific neighbors". Before the opening in Vanuatu, the United States had already opened messages in two other island states, the Salomons and Tonga.