Strong 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Vanuatu Coast, Triggers Advisories, Forces Coastal Evacuations

Port Vila, Vanuatu— An offshore magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit the coast of Vanuatu on October 25, 2026, shaking islands and triggering regional tsunami advisories that sent coastal residents uphill.

The quake struck at 11:47 a.m. local time, centered about 85 kilometers west of Port Vila at a depth of 18 kilometers, according to the USGS. Shaking lasted more than 30 seconds. In Port Vila, concrete walls cracked and goods fell from shelves. Power flickered.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory for Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Fiji, warning of waves up to 0.5 meters above tide level. Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office ordered evacuations from low-lying areas on Efate and Tanna. Sirens sounded in Port Vila harbor.

Fishermen reported a rapid drawdown at Mele Bay, then a surge that pushed small boats onto the beach. No major wave was recorded at the Port Vila tide gauge, which showed a 23-centimeter fluctuation. The advisory was kept in place for two hours while sea level data was reviewed.

No deaths were reported in the first hours. Two injuries from falling debris were treated at Vila Central Hospital. The police said a landslide blocked the road to Teouma and a church hall on Epi lost part of its roof.

The quake was felt as far as Nouméa. A hotel manager in Port Vila said, "It was strong, long, rolling. Everyone ran out. Then the police came shouting tsunami, go high." Tourists gathered on the hill above the airport with locals, waiting for the all-clear.

Vanuatu sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent large quakes. The 6.9 was followed by a 5.4 aftershock 20 minutes later. Seismologists warned more aftershocks are likely and urged caution around damaged structures.

Telecoms were congested but not down. Air Vanuatu delayed two domestic flights to check runways for cracks. The government convened its emergency committee and asked for damage reports from outer islands, where communication is patchy.

The tsunami advisory was downgraded to a statement by early afternoon after no destructive waves were observed. Authorities told people to stay away from beaches and reefs until tides normalize.