Earthquake in Vanuatu: South Pacific tsunami warning after strong earthquake
After a strong earthquake near New Caledonia, the authorities issued a tsunami warning for the South Seas state of Vanuatu. Geologists initially put the magnitude of the quake at 7.2. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said it happened in the afternoon (local time) southeast of the Loyalty Islands, which are part of the French overseas territory.
“Dangerous tsunami waves within 300 kilometers of the epicenter are possible along the coasts of Vanuatu,” it said. There were initially no reports of damage or injuries.
A strong seaquake hit the South Pacific on Thursday. Geologists initially gave a magnitude of 7.2.
These values are often corrected later. The earthquake struck at 4:44 p.m. local time (7:44 a.m. German time) southeast of the Loyalty Islands, which belong to New Caledonia. There were initially no reports of damage or casualties. The responsible Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning.
Dangerous tsunami waves are possible within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. Some coasts of Vanuatu are affected. There are around 18 earthquakes of this magnitude worldwide each year. Severe damage occurs regularly.
