A 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the island of Vanuatu in the South Pacific on December 17 resulted in 14 deaths.

Axar.az reports that this information was provided by the International Red Cross Committee, citing government agencies.

The destructive earthquake has caused hundreds of injuries. Search operations are currently underway in the damaged buildings and homes.

China's embassy in Vanuatu has confirmed that two Chinese citizens were also killed in the earthquake.

It should be noted that the powerful earthquake severely damaged buildings in the capital, Port Vila, including those housing U.S. and other embassies. The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 30 kilometers off the coast of Efate, the main island of Vanuatu, at a depth of 57 kilometers. Several aftershocks of varying intensities have occurred since the earthquake. The most recent aftershock (6.1 magnitude) was recorded on December 18.