Vanuatu earthquake with magnitude of 7.3 sparks localised tsunami alert

Tue, 17 Dec 2024, 03:07
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An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 has struck off the coast of Vanuatu, the US Geological Survey has said, sparking a localised tsunami warning.

The quake struck 30km west of the capital, Port Vila, at a depth of 57.1km, the USGS said.

The US tsunami warning system said preliminary data suggested hazardous tsunami waves were

possible within 300km

of the epicentre. Vanuatu is a group of 80 islands that is home to about 330,000 people.

Unverified footage suggested the US embassy in the capital had sustained

significant damage

, and one witness reported a landslide on a coastal road near Port Vila.

Vanuatu government websites were offline in the aftermath of the quake and phone numbers for the police and other public agencies did not connect.

The USGS said waves between 30cm and one metres were possible in some parts of Vanuatu, and waves of less than 30cm were forecast for Fiji, Kermadec Island, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna

Australia’s bureau of meteorology ruled out a tsunami threat on its coastlines. Australian authorities advised travellers: “If you’re in the affected area, move to higher ground. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.”

New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency also ruled out a tsunami threat.

This is a breaking news story, please check back for updates

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