7.0 Earthquake Strikes Off Shores of Vanuatu – South Pacific. *** Update from Field

by | Apr 29, 2016

Vanuatu:  A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu in the early morning hours (06:33am) local time on Friday, the 29th of April (3:33pm EDT on Thursday 28th of April.)

There were preliminary concerns for tsunami waves of up to 3.0 meters, (9.8 feet) but those have now been cancelled.

We are still waiting for information from our team members on the ground regarding damage.

Please pray and continue to check back for updates.

*** Update as of 10:00 AM, Friday, April 29th (Vanuatu Time),  7pm, Thursday, April 28th (EDT). 

David and Sylvia Potter

David and Sylvia Potter

The earthquake was located about 7km from one of the larger towns on Malekula (Island) which is basically a harbor for ships to go and come. There are no major towns on Malekula and the bush material homes handle the earthquakes quite well.

We definitely felt it here. Our house rocked back and forth for about 15 seconds. So, I’m sure at Norsup (island to the north) they felt it, but most likely no damage. We will listen for reports. Thanks for checking in on us! – Sylvia Potter. 

Todd & Connie Lou Aebischer

Todd and Connie Lou Aebischer served as Regional Communications Coordinator - Regional NMI Coordinator respectively for over 4 years. They are now serving in Papua New Guinea under Mission Aviation Fellowship as Country Director / Program Director.

Related Posts

NCM Indonesia Extends Help to Earthquake Survivors

NCM Indonesia Extends Help to Earthquake Survivors

Between late July and August 2025, as Indonesia marked its 80th Anniversary of Independence, a magnitude 6 earthquake struck the Poso region of Central Sulawesi. In response, the Sulawesi District Church of the Nazarene, through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries,...

read more
God’s Faithfulness in INTC’s 39th Graduation

God’s Faithfulness in INTC’s 39th Graduation

On 26 August 2025, the Indonesia Nazarene Theological College (INTC), with God's grace and help, successfully held its 39th Graduation Ceremony 2025, with the theme "Godly and Faithful Servants of God Until the End." This year, INTC graduated 13 students from...

read more
Empowering Leaders for a Stronger District

Empowering Leaders for a Stronger District

Indonesia: From 1 to 3 July 2025, the Java-Bali District Church of the Nazarene held a District Pastors' Retreat with the theme "The Nazarene Family is Ready to Face Challenges" at Amanda Hill, Ambarawa, Central Java. This retreat was held as part of the...

read more