There is no confirmation of fatalities, but a witness reported seeing bodies in Port Vila, and a Red Cross official said, "there were 6 dead and many injured". A magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit just off the coast of Vanuatu in the southern Pacific Ocean on Tuesday,

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck just off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction in the South Pacific island nation as the injured began arriving at a hospital and unconfirmed reports of casualties emerged.

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck near Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, triggering landslides, crushing cars and flattening multiple buildings, including a complex that is home to multiple western embassies.

Video shows the embassy wrecked after the powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila.

A powerful earthquake hit the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, damaging buildings in the capital, Port Vila, including one housing the U.S. Embassy. A witness said bodies were seen in the city.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Tuesday just off the coast of Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean, the USGS said.

Information was scarce because internet communications were cut, but photos showed the U.S. Embassy was significantly damaged. All personnel were reported safe.

Massive Earthquake in Vanuatu Damages U.S. Embassy transcript This is a Billabong building [and] one of the Chinese stores in CTF that’s collapsed. We’ve got the rescue team in there now. Fire rescue in there trying to get some people out.