Earthquake/Tuunamis in Vanutu

Hello

I am going to visit Vanuatu in May and I'm a bit worried because of the recent events taking place . How prone is Vanuatu to Tsunamis or earthquakes and were there any serious cases which were risky to human lives in the past ?

Thanks
Eli

Anywhere with volcanoes must be prone to earthquakes.
I felt a minor one on Ambrym, but would never consider this a reason to put me off the country.

I felt a major tremor that made the house I was staying in, on Malaita Island, Solomon Islands, sway like crazy. The epicentre was just of Pt. Vila, Vanuatu, a long way away but no damage was done anywhere. I'm more concerned with earthquakes where I live, not out there.

Just got back from 9 days in Port Vila.On the night of the quake/tsunami in japan we heard a radio report that Port Vila should be evacuated due to possibility of a tsunami.We were staying about 5 Ks out of town , at beach level.So we were very worried.However the resort manager said wait - they were constantly talking to people and keeping in touch.If they got the message to evacuate we would be taken to higher ground.She told us they had had 5 similar warnings in the last 18 months and nothing had happenened.So we went back to our room and waited.Eventully went to bed and woke up the next morning safe and sound.Nothing had happened-relief!The night before we arrived there was a mini-cyclone - but the tourists at the resort didn't seem worried- alot of wind mainly.
On the day we left - just after our plane took offf- there was an earthquake off the coast of Port Vila. no damage on the island.
So go to Vanuatu and have a good time - we did!

#3
Did you stay only in Port Vila ?

We stayed 4 days out of town ( 15 mins by bus ) at Benjor Beach Resort and 4 days in Port Vila.

And what was your general impression of Vanuatu ?

There was a large earthquake when we stayed at Lonnoc on Santo 3 years ago. My first that I've experienced, and strangely, I enjoyed it. I understand that earthquakes are fairly common occurrences in Vanuatu. I read somewhere that the sea floor in Port Vila harbour was pushed up 20 metres during one earthquake. Tsunamis are reasonably common too. Many villages are on higher ground.

In our bungalow on the beach, my partner woke me, excited, to tell me that an earthquake was happenning. He then said "if a tsunami hits and you make it out, I'll meet you on high ground behind here". So I lay there and waited. It didn't come.

#7
Thanks for your answer.
How long have you been staying in Vanuatu and which destinations have you visited ?
What is your general impression of Vanuatu ?

Vanuatu is my favourite place on earth. To me, it's as close as it gets to paradise on earth. It's a different pace of life and there is much to learn from the beautiful Ni-van people.

I've been 3 times. Pt Vila/Efate, Tanna and Santo. Next time I plan to go back to Santo as last time our activities were cut short with injuries - I stood on an aquatic snail which left a barb in my foot and my partner got an infected cut on his foot.

I'm currently working on a masters degree and I'm hoping to do my research paper on something Vanuatu related, and spend more time there.

Hi Eli, I was there last year in sept & left the day after an earth quake struck (i think there has been 2 since). I was quite disappointed actually as ive never felt a decent one before, just little window rattlers. Personally i usually stay up on the hill just behind the main street and away from the water front, call me paranoid but i just sleep better and i like the accom more. That said ive also stayed down on the main street a few times though.

As yehyeh mentioned, its also my favourite place. I particularly love sitting at night in the many different nakamals with the locals drinking kava with them. Ni-vanuatu people are the most beautiful people on the planet bar none. You are never alone in a nakamal, everyone is so friendly.

Im back there in May also so let me know if you want my contact number over there & i would be only too happy to help out.

Hello teeshirt
Yes, I will be in May too. I am arriving soon. I will land in Port Vila on May 4.