Massive Earthquake in Pacific Ocean Triggers Tsunami

Source: express.co.uk

The powerful force emerged in the Pacific east of New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said: “Government agencies responsible for threatened coastal areas should take action to inform and instruct any coastal populations at risk.

“Persons in threatened coastal areas should stay alert for information and follow instructions from national and local authorities.”

Areas of land shook 51 miles (82kms) east of the Loyalty Islands.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has issued a warning for anyone in the surrounding areas.

The centre stated that hazardous tsunami waves are possible within 186 miles (300kms) of the quake’s epicentre.

The earthquake was initially reported as being 7.3 in magnitude, it has since been downgraded.

The National Tsunami Warning Centre has stated that tsunami waves have been observed with hazardous waves forecast for some coats.

Waves reaching 0.3 to 1 meter above the tide are predicted for New Caledonia while waves of less than 0.3 meters are predicted for the coasts of Vanuatu.

The earthquake struck at 10.43pm GMT (09.43am local time).

There is currently no information on casualties of the incident or damage caused.

The New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management stated: “There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the 7.3M Loyalty Islands earthquake.

“Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand.”

A series of small tsunami waves were observed near the islands of Maré and Lifou in New Caledonia in addition to the Tanna island in Vanuatu.

New Caledonia is a French territory that is made up of dozens of islands in the South Pacific - the area is home to an estimated 270,000 people.

As of 00.33 am GMT, all tsunami alerts have been cancelled.