A powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck offshore Vanuatu on February 14, 2024, at 13:30 local time. The US Geological Survey reported that the epicenter was located approximately 50 kilometers west of Port Olry, situated on the island of Espiritu Santo. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no potential for a tsunami as a result of this seismic event.
Eyewitness accounts from staff at a beach resort in Port Olry described the earthquake as “very large,” with tremors lasting about one minute. An employee named Angelic Frank reported, “Dishes and utensils shook for quite a long time, but nothing fell to the ground.” Despite the intensity of the quake, she noted that there was no visible damage in the surrounding area and that the community appeared to be safe, although some locals expressed concern.
Vanuatu, an archipelago with a population of approximately 320,000, is located in the seismically active region known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes are common. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a statement ensuring that the earthquake in Vanuatu posed no tsunami threat to Indonesia. They advised coastal communities to remain calm and noted that there had been no reports of structural damage resulting from the earthquake.
In summary, while the earthquake was significant, it did not lead to any serious consequences in the affected areas, and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
