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.

One week after a devastating earthquake rocked Vanuatu, aid organizations are racing to address the increasing needs of an estimated 80,000 affected residents, many of whom remain displaced and vulnerable.

At least 10 buildings in Port Vila sustained "major structural damage", the government's disaster management office said. Tremors from the earthquake also cut power and mobile services.

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.

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.

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu early Sunday, the US Geological Survey said, just days after a deadly 7.3-magnitude quake buffeted the island.

China has delivered a batch of emergency relief supplies to Vanuatu, to meet the needs of those affected by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake that hit the southwestern Pacific island country on Dec 17.

Nearly 1pm on December 17, 2024, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck off the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu killed at least 14 people, injured hundreds more and caused widespread damage across the country.

Pacific Island country was hit by 7.4 magnitude earthquake on 17 December. New Delhi has offered aid for rehabilitation as part of efforts to be a first responder to the region.