A magnitude 7.3 earthquake shook Vanuatu on March 30, 2026, at 7:44 PM local time. The epicenter was located 35 kilometers northeast of Luganville, the country’s second-largest city, at a depth of 115 kilometers, according to information from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). So far, authorities have not issued any tsunami alerts nor reported significant casualties or material damage. The quake was felt strongly, but the USGS has indicated that there is a “low probability of casualties and damage.” Additionally, it is estimated that resulting landslides will be limited in number and extent, as few people live in vulnerable areas. Vanuatu, made up of more than 80 islands, is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its high seismic and volcanic activity. In December 2024, another earthquake of magnitude 7.4 caused over ten deaths and 200 injuries, primarily affecting Port Vila, the capital of the country. For more details on seismic activity in the region, you can consult this note.
