MOFA response to 7.3-magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu

December 17, 2024

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has taken note of the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on the morning of December 17. MOFA immediately instructed the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji, which has purview over Vanuatu, to ascertain the situation and determine whether any Republic of China (Taiwan) nationals were affected. A preliminary assessment suggests that no nationals or overseas compatriots were in difficulty.

MOFA also quickly reached out to the High Commission of Vanuatu to Fiji to express Taiwan's concern for and condolences to Vanuatu. MOFA remains in close contact with the embassies of the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand in Fiji.

MOFA will continue to monitor the disaster situation and is prepared to provide assistance to nationals in need. Should ROC (Taiwan) nationals in Vanuatu require emergency support, they may contact the emergency assistance hotline of the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji at (+679) 707-6662.