WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday, leading to widespread destruction across the South Pacific island nation. As the situation unfolds, reports of injuries and possible casualties are emerging, although official details remain scarce.

The earthquake hit just before 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 30 kilometers west of Port Vila, Vanuatu's largest city, at a depth of 57 kilometers (35 miles). Following the initial quake, residents experienced a significant aftershock measuring 5.5, and tremors were reported throughout the afternoon and evening.

A tsunami warning was briefly issued but was called off within two hours. However, communication lines remain down, and many locals have resorted to social media and sporadic phone calls to share their accounts of the destruction.

Preliminary reports suggest extensive damage to infrastructure. A journalist in Port Vila, Dan McGarry, noted the arrival of injured individuals at local hospitals, with emergency teams working tirelessly to attend to those in need. He cited a potential death and observed three distressingly injured individuals at the Vila Central Hospital. "The nation is not equipped for a mass casualty event," he added, highlighting the strain on medical resources.

Social media footage reflects the chaos, with images showing crumbled buildings and emergency responders attempting to rescue potential victims trapped under debris. A particularly harrowing scene unfolded as a group of rescuers struggled to lift the collapsed roof of a three-story building, believing there were individuals trapped inside.

Furthermore, significant damage occurred at a building housing diplomatic missions from the United States, Britain, France, and New Zealand. Thankfully, the U.S. Embassy confirmed that all staff were safe, although the facility would be closed indefinitely after only recently opening in July. This expansion was part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to enhance its presence in the Pacific amid growing Chinese influence.

In the wake of the disaster, Australia and New Zealand have pledged support, with Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong assuring prompt assistance. New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, expressed concern for the 45 New Zealand citizens registered in Vanuatu.

The situation remains precarious, with flights grounded at Port Vila International Airport, further complicating recovery efforts. There are also reports of massive landslides obstructing the international shipping terminal, indicating that the road to recovery will be long and arduous.

As Vanuatu, a nation already familiar with natural disasters, braces for the aftermath, questions abound regarding its resilience and the impact of recent political instability, including the upcoming snap elections scheduled for January. With the country situated on a tectonic subduction zone, earthquakes exceeding magnitude 6 are not unexpected, but this latest event has tested the limits of its disaster preparedness.

As local officials and international aid organizations work tirelessly to assess the damage and coordinate efforts, one thing is clear: the people of Vanuatu will need considerable support in the days and weeks ahead as they recover from this catastrophic earthquake. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.