Port Vila, Vanuatu - December 17, 2024 Rescue work is ongoing after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and building collapses in the Pacific Island country and leaving at least one person dead, according to reports. The quake struck approximately 37 km from the capital Port Vila at 12:47 local time on Tuesday, leading to a tsunami warning being issued which was later lifted by authorities. As rescue efforts continue, a mass casualty triage has been set up at a hospital in Port Vila, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. Video footage from the capital showed buildings have suffered varying degrees of damage, with some collapsing, while landslides have also been reported. Video taken by an overseas Chinese resident showed cracks appearing on an asphalt road. Vanuatu is also facing communication difficulties in the wake of the quake, with a reporter from China Central Television (CCTV) saying he was unable to contact overseas Chinese residents in Port Vila. The reporter, who is based on Espiritu Santo Island some 200 kilometers north of the capital, noted there were clear tremors felt there. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicenter was measured at a depth of 43 km, while a the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also raised an alert in the area shortly after the quake struck. Pacific Island countries such as Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu lie on the notorious Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones where continental plates collide, producing frequent seismic activities. Shotlist: Port Vila, Vanuatu - Dec 17, 2024: 1. Video taken by overseas Chinese resident showing crack on road after earthquake; FILE: Port Vila, Vanuatu - 2024 2. Aerial shot of mountain, ships, sea; 3. Aerial shots of sea; forests; houses; 4. Traffic; 5. Aerial shot of buildings, trees; 6. Traffic; 7. Aerial shot of building; 8. Aerial shots of sea; forests; houses. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]