Very strong M7.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu

A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.1 hit Vanuatu at 12:56 UTC (23:56 LT) on December 7, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 48.4 km (30 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.9 at a depth of 32 km (20 miles).

The epicenter was located 124.5 km (77.4 miles) S of Isangel (population 1 437), Vanuatu, and 204 km (127 miles) E of Wé (population 10 375), New Caledonia.

1 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 41 000 moderate, and 175 000 light.

Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters (M7.3; Depth 35 km), hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 km (180 miles) of the earthquake epicenter, NWS PTWC said at 13:04 UTC.

The tsunami threat from this earthquake has now passed, PTWC said at 13:54 UTC.

The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and wood construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google