A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck Vanuatu in the western Pacific, causing buildings to collapse.
The earthquake, near the capital Port Vila, also triggered landslides, the country has been left without power and mobile phone networks have been knocked out.
Several cruise ships call at Port Vila, including Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, which is in nearby Mystery Island, Vanautu today. It is due to arrive at Port Vila on Wednesday and return again on Christmas Eve.
Other cruise ships due to call at Port Vila include P&O’s Pacific Encounter on 21 December and Pacific Adventure on 22 December, Carnival Luminosa on 23 December, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and National Geographic Orion on 28 December.
In a statement, Cunard said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the earthquake that has struck Vanuatu, and our thoughts are with all those affected.
“Queen Elizabeth is currently scheduled to call into Port Vila on 28 December. We are actively evaluating the situation and remain in close contact with local authorities. The wellbeing of our guests and crew is always our absolute priority.
“We will provide updates as more information becomes available, and will advise our guests and travel advisors as soon as we are able to.”
Travel Gossip has approached other cruise lines due to call at Port Vila for updates to their schedules.
Local reports suggest several people were seriously injured in the earthquake, and at least one person is understood to have died.
The UK Embassy was one of several damaged in the earthquake, which struck at about 12.45pm local time (1.45am GMT) on Monday.
Vanuatu is a low-lying archipelago of 80 islands, located west of Fiji and east of north Australia.
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Vanuatu, saying: “The British High Commission is contacting authorities and urgently seeking further information following the earthquake in Vanuatu.
“Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities. Seek higher ground. Be aware of the possibility of aftershocks.”
*Image is a screenshot taken from a Fiji News & Sports video on Facebook
