It's unclear when Port Vila's CBD, usually buzzing with holiday activity, will reopen to the public more than two weeks after a deadly magnitude-7.3 earthquake struck.

Australians are being cautioned about travel to Vanuatu following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila and nearby areas on Dec. 17, 2024. The earthquake caused significant damage to roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, leading to ongoing disruptions.

BEIJING -- At the request of the Vanuatu government, China has sent four experts to assist with post-earthquake response in the Pacific island country, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flights have been returning Australian citizens from Vanuatu as part of the ongoing humanitarian mission in Port Vila. A total of 588 Australians have been brought to Brisbane on eight flights, with the final two flights scheduled for Sunday, Nine News reported.

Flights have resumed at Port Vila following a magnitude 7.3 earthquake on December 17, 2024. The airport reopened to commercial flights on December 22, hosting scheduled Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Air Vanuatu services on the day.

Boarding has started for New Zealand's last repatriation flight from Port Vila after Tuesday's magnitude 7.3 earthquake. Passengers heading home on the RNZAF Boeing 757 on Saturday afternoon include stranded tourists of various nationalities, returning disaster response officials and media.

Strong earthquakes in Vanuatu have led to a Level 3 travel advisory urging US citizens to reconsider plans to visit the region.

Vanuatu's government has declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for seven days in the worst-affected areas, including Port Vila. The curfew is set to expire Dec. 28. Americans were also given a further warning.

Carnival is donating $60,000 to ProMedical Vanuatu, which has been working to provide critical medical care after the earthquake.

When the dust cleared from the pancaked Billabong surf shop on Port Vila's main street, bystanders ran straight towards the rubble. Moments after the magnitude-7.3 earthquake struck Vanuatu's ...