Vanuatu: 7.3 earthquake

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake affected the Vanuatu Islands at 0147 UTC on Tuesday 17 December. A tsunami alert was issued and later withdrawn.

New Zealanders in Vanuatu are advised to follow the advice of local authorities at all times, including any evacuation orders. 

Aftershocks can happen after large earthquakes. If you hear a tsunami warning siren or experience a long or strong tremor, move to higher ground and follow the instructions of local authorities. Read more advice on our natural disasters page.

There continues to be communication outages in Vanuatu. This may make it difficult for you to stay connected with your whānau and friends in Vanuatu until communication lines are fully reestablished.

The New Zealand Government operated two repatriation flights on Thursday 19 December and Saturday 21 December, to bring New Zealanders in Vanuatu home.

Vanuatu authorities have indicated that the airport will be operational for commercial flights beginning 22 December. A number of airlines are advertising flights in anticipation.

New Zealanders who remain in Vanuatu and wish to depart should make contact with their airline and/or travel agent to seek further advice and information about the resumption of commercial flights out of Vanuatu.

Any New Zealanders that remain in Vanuatu and require consular assistance can call the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

We encourage all New Zealanders in Vanuatu to register their travel on SafeTravel when communications allow. Please keep your family and friends in New Zealand informed of your safety and wellbeing when you are able to, and pass this message on to any New Zealanders who may not be registered on SafeTravel.