December 17, 2024 Earthquake: Efate, Port Vila, Vanuatu Islands

Reference #13456:

Tectonic Summary

On December 17, 2024, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake occurred as the result of oblique normal faulting. The earthquake's depth places it beneath the boundary of the Australia and Pacific plates in the Coral Sea region, within the subducting Australia plate. Earthquakes that occur within a subducted plate, as opposed to at the interface of the plate, are termed intraslab earthquakes. In this region, the Australia plate moves east-northeast at approximately 85 mm/yr relative to the Pacific plate. The Australia plate descends eastward beneath the Pacific at the Vanuatu Trench.

The area where the Australia and Pacific plates meet is among the world’s most seismically active. In the century leading up to the December 17, 2024, earthquake, there were 24 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or larger within 250 km of this event. Most of these seismic events occurred along the plate boundary rather than as intraslab earthquakes within the subducted slab. Because of the different depths and locations within and around the subducted slab, earthquakes in this region can exhibit a range of faulting types that include reverse faulting, normal faulting, and oblique faulting. The largest recorded event in this region was a magnitude 7.9 earthquake approximately 86 km to the southwest in December 1950.

Reference #13874, #13875:

Most of the damage in Port Vila, Efate. 14 confirmed deaths by Vila Central Hospital (VCH) and 8 survivors reported by JPOC; Over 265 injured treated at the main hospital (VCH). Many buildings sustain major structural damage. Over 10 building in Port Vila town damaged including - Billabong Building, (US Embassy building, New Zealand High Commission building, UK Embassy). Damage to Tagabe bridge, Teouma bridge and Blacks and bridge. Damage to power lines and public water supply in the urban area. Two major water reserves in Ohlen area which supplies water to Port Vila are totally destroyed and will need reconstruction, assessment of water network is ongoing. Ports of Entry - Port Vila main wharf (Lapetasi) is closed due to major landslide. Nearby villages near Efate and off-shore islands experienced landslides.

Reference #13881:

A total of 14 fatalities and more than 265 injuries have been confirmed. 1,092 people remain temporarily displaced, 570 houses have been damaged affecting 2,850 people. 110 classrooms across 45 schools have been partially or completely damaged.

Reference #13924:

100 million USD in economic losses, 16 fatalities.

Reference #14260:

30 million USD in economic losses, 14 fatalities