The U.S. Tsunami Warning System has issued an alert for a host of Pacific Islands following a powerful 7.2 magnitude quake which struck off the coast of Vanuatu.
The quake struck at 12.47 p.m. Vanuatu time about 30 kilometres west of Vanuatu’s capital Port Villa, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Pacific countries of Fiji, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu have also been issued warnings.
The quake hit a depth of 54 kilometres, according to Geoscience Australia, who also estimated the magnitude at 7.2.
Vanuatu climatologist Philip Malsale posted to X to say communities around the Efate region had been impacted by the quake, with some homes having had furniture strewn around with wardrobes tipped over, and cabinets left tilted on their sides.
Initial reports suggest significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, with videos and images posted online showing damage to the U.S. Embassy.
Australia’s Smart Traveller website has advised citizens in Vanuatu to move to higher ground if they are in an affected area.
No Tsunami Threat for Australia, New Zealand
There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand or Australia, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of New Zealand or the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.“NEMA have advised that there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand from the earthquake near Vanuatu this afternoon,” New Zealand MP Mark Mitchell posted on X.
“We continue to watch the situation in Vanuatu closely and stand ready to assist.”
