A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck 48 km west-northwest (WNW) of Port Vila, Vanuatu, shaking communities across Efate and prompting immediate safety responses in schools.

According to USGS, the earthquake occurred on July 1, 2025, at 10:48 AM Vanuatu time (June 30, 2025, at 23:48 UTC) and was felt widely across Port Vila.

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Vila East School Evacuates Students

At Vila East School, teachers and staff swiftly moved students to designated safe zones after the tremors were felt on campus. Photos from the scene show hundreds of students in blue uniforms gathered calmly but visibly shaken as staff conducted roll calls and comforted the children.

Shortly after, the Acting Principal announced:

“Dear Parents/Guardians,
After the ground shake/earthquake a few hours ago, our students are traumatized and assembled at their safe zone. All parents are to pick up your child any time onwards. Classes will resume tomorrow morning. Thank you. God Bless.”

Parents arrived throughout the morning to collect their children, ensuring they returned home safely while remaining alert for potential aftershocks.

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About the Earthquake

USGS National Earthquake Information Center details:

• Magnitude: 5.1 (mww)
• Epicenter: 48 km WNW of Port Vila (17.497°S, 167.927°E)
• Depth: 35 km
• Time: July 1, 2025, at 10:48 AM VUT (Vanuatu Time)

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but authorities continue to monitor aftershock activity.

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Tectonic Summary: Why Vanuatu is Earthquake Prone

Vanuatu sits along the eastern margin of the Australia Plate, one of the most seismically active regions in the world due to high rates of convergence with the Pacific Plate.

Across the North New Hebrides Trench, the Australia Plate subducts eastward beneath the Pacific Plate near Vanuatu, with convergence rates increasing northward from 80 to 90 mm/yr. Back arc spreading in the North Fiji Basin and trench interactions, such as the D’Entrecasteaux Ridge, add complexity, causing localized variations in subduction rates from 40 mm/yr to as high as 170 mm/yr.

Large earthquakes are common along this trench system, with 34 M7.5+ earthquakes recorded since 1900, reflecting the region’s active subduction tectonics. This geological environment makes earthquake preparedness a vital part of community safety in Vanuatu.

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Why Preparedness Matters

Today’s event highlights why preparedness in schools and homes is crucial in Vanuatu. Vila East School’s rapid evacuation and calm handling of students demonstrate the value of earthquake drills and readiness for protecting children during sudden natural events.

Classes at Vila East are expected to resume tomorrow, and parents are encouraged to monitor updates from the school and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

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Stay Alert, Vanuatu

If you felt the earthquake, you can contribute your experience to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” platform here.

Stay safe, and continue supporting your community in building resilience.