Featured Pacific

Major 7.2 magnitude earthquake strikes off Vanuatu – USGS

SYDNEY (Reuters) – A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck about 535 km (330 miles) southeast of the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, briefly triggering a local tsunami warning.

There were no initial reports of casualties or damage.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for areas close to the quake, although there was no Pacific-wide threat of a tsunami, the Hawaii-based centre said. The shallow quake was measured at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles).

The quake initially registered with a magnitude of 7.6 but was later downgraded. The tsunami warning, which had included coastal areas of Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji, including the Fijian capital, Suva, was later cancelled.

The powerful quake triggered at least one aftershock, with a magnitude of 5.4, the USGS said.

(Reporting by Matt Siegel; Editing by Paul Tait)

Related posts

Kerevat Police Investigating Death of 17-year-old Girl

Edwin Fidelis

BSP ON THE IMPACTS OF UPGRADE

Natasha Ovoi

Agriculture Minister: Government to stall increase in Poultry products imports

Lucy Kopana

Leave a Comment

error: Content is protected !!