Vanuatu earthquakes off the country’s northern coast early Saturday prompted a regional tsunami warning, according to monitoring agencies.
The tremors were recorded at 3.31am and 3.35am BST. The first was initially listed at magnitude 7.2, then revised by the United States Geological Survey to 6.9. Its epicentre was about 197 kilometres west-northwest of Port-Olry at a depth of 10 kilometres. The second, a magnitude 6.3 event, also occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres and struck about 170 kilometres northwest of Port-Olry.
Vanuatu earthquakes trigger tsunami alert
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said hazardous tsunami waves were possible along coastlines within 300 kilometres of the first quake’s epicentre. People in at-risk coastal areas were advised to stay alert for updates and follow guidance from national and local authorities. The centre’s threat forecast identified Vanuatu as the area that could be affected.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Similar natural disasters in the region have previously raised concerns about the vulnerability of communities and wildlife, echoing worries seen in shrinking habitat debates elsewhere.