A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Loyalty Islands in the French possession of New Caledonia on Friday, causing tsunami warnings to be issued to nations in the South Pacific. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) issued tsunami warnings for Vanuatu and Fiji, while Australia’s meteorological service issued a warning for Lord Howe Island, which is located off Australia’s east coast. According to an official, a tsunami warning issued in New Caledonia was later withdrawn.
“Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts within 1,000 km (620 miles) of the earthquake epicenter,” the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in a bulletin.
It warned inhabitants in vulnerable coastal areas to be cautious. A hotel receptionist in Noumea, New Caledonia, told AFP she felt no shaking from the tremor.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake happened at a depth of around 24 miles (38 km). New Zealand stated that it was still investigating whether or not the earthquake put its coastline in peril from tsunamis.
