WELLINGTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- A massive earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Tuesday has caused severe damage to buildings, including those housing foreign embassies.
The quake hit 30 km west of Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu, at 12:47 local time, with a depth of 43 km, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The earthquake, described by locals as a "violent, high-frequency vertical shake," left at least one dead so far.
The building in Vanuatu that houses the New Zealand High Commission as well as the U.S., French and British embassies was extensively damaged by the quake.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was contacting the New Zealand High Commission staff in Port Vila to check they were safe.
There is no threat of a tsunami for New Zealand, according to the country's National Emergency Management Agency. A tsunami threat for those in Vanuatu was also cancelled by the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand is ready to help if needed.
There has been significant damage across Vanuatu, according to the Red Cross. ■
