Wellington, 17 December 2024 (dpa/MIA) - An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu on Tuesday, damaging a number of embassies and cutting communication.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake hit some 30 kilometres west of Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, at a depth of around 57 kilometres.

The USGS has recorded a number of aftershocks since, including three over magnitude 5.

Videos and photos published online show damage to buildings in Vanuatu. No information about possible casualties was initially available. Phone lines are down and government websites are offline.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the country's embassy is in the same location as the embassies of the United States, France and the United Kingdom, and it had sustained significant damage.

The US said its embassy had "sustained considerable damage" and was closed until further notice.

Ready to help

Both countries said they were concerned about local residents and are ready to help.

"New Zealand is deeply concerned about the significant earthquake in Vanuatu, and the damage it has caused," Peters wrote on X.

"Our thoughts are with the people and authorities of Vanuatu," he added. "We stand ready to help Vanuatu, and to respond to requests for assistance."

A statement from the US mission in Papua New Guinea echoed that.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this earthquake and the U.S. government will work with closely with our partners in Vanuatu," the statement read.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said officials were closely monitoring the situation in the Pacific.

"We stand ready to support Vanuatu, as the extent of the damage is assessed," she wrote on X.

"Vanuatu is family and we will always be there in times of need."

Vanuatu is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on Earth.