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Vanuatu: Earthquake - Jan 2002

Statut
Passé
Pays
Vanuatu
Types de catastrophes
Tremblement de terre

Following a strong earthquake on 3 January measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, Vanuatu continued to experience aftershocks. Approximately 500 people from low-lying areas especially along the coastal lines of Port Vila fled to higher ground when the first earthquake occurred as a prevention measure against tsunami. (OCHA, 4 Jan 2002)

There were no reports of serious casualties but the earthquake caused major damage to buildings and infrastructure, notably in the capital of Port Vila. The Teoma bridge, which links the southern coast of Efate to the capital, was destroyed, and three bridges linking Port Vila to North Efate - including the vulnerable low-lying communities near Mele Bay - were seriously damaged. Landslides blocked the road to the main wharf, buried a steep road in Klems Hill area and also damaged some crops. Supplies of power, water and telecommunications were interrupted. (IFRC, 7 Jan 2002)