Twin earthquakes of magnitude 6.9 and 7.2 magnitude struck waters near the island nation of Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean, prompting a tsunami warning.
The first report recorded a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, with its epicentre around 200 km west of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10 km. A second reading, reporting a magnitude 6.9 tremor, followed around 25 seconds later. Its epicentre was placed approximately 197 km west-northwest of Port-Olry, also at a depth of 10 km.
The Tsunami Warning Center, based in Hawaii, warned that “dangerous tsunami waves could impact coasts within 300 kilometers of the epicenter.”
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was approximately 200 kilometers west of the town of Sola, at a depth of about 10 kilometers below the sea surface.
Officials reported no immediate major structural damage or casualties, though some residents in coastal areas like Hog Harbour moved to higher ground as a precaution before the threat passed.
Officials are yet to confirm the potential impact of the seismic activity.
Residents in the coastal areas have been advised to follow official notices issued by Vanuatu authorities and recognised tsunami-warning agencies.
The island in the Pacific Ocean is located at the epicentre of quak3 a tsunami generated in surrounding waters could potentially affect nearby islands and coastalines.