New Caledonia has lifted its tsunami warning following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck in the Pacific Ocean southeast of the territory. The earthquake, detected approximately 340 kilometers east of Vao city, prompted the evacuation of coastal areas and activation of tsunami sirens. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu issued a warning stating that tsunami waves of one-to-three meters above tide level could occur in some coastal areas of Vanuatu.
Reports from Vanuatu indicated waves just under half a meter above tide level at Lenakel, with slightly smaller waves observed or predicted on other islands. Anna Erick, who operates a beachfront hotel on Tanna island, decided to move to higher ground with her children when unusually large waves began crashing on a nearby beach. While she took precautions, others were still watching the waves, unaware of the potential danger.
John Nicholls, the owner of the Rockwater Resort on Tanna, reported no unusual waves at the beach and was unaware of the earthquake. In New Caledonia, people evacuated one beach after the warning sirens sounded. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also warned of potential smaller tsunami waves, ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 meters, in New Caledonia, Fiji, Kiribati, and New Zealand. In Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, a hotel receptionist mentioned that she did not feel any shaking from the earthquake.
Similarly, a travel agent on the eastern edge of the New Caledonia archipelago, on the island of Ile des Pins, stated that she did not feel the tremor or receive any evacuation warnings. People continued to enjoy the beach and visit restaurants, oblivious to the potential threat. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that there was no land threat to the Australian mainland or Australian territories. Earthquakes are common in the Pacific region along the “Ring of Fire,” an area known for intense seismic activity spanning Southeast Asia and the Pacific basin.
This incident follows an earthquake in Japan earlier this month, which resulted in one fatality, numerous injuries, and the destruction of several buildings. In April, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck in the ocean off a remote Philippine island, prompting an evacuation order for coastal dwellers and a tsunami warning, although no damage was reported.
New Caledonia issued a tsunami warning after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck southeast of the territory. While some coastal areas were evacuated and tsunami sirens activated, reports from Vanuatu indicated relatively smaller waves. Despite the warnings, some individuals remained unaware of the emergency, while others reported no unusual activity. The Australian mainland and territories were confirmed to be safe. Earthquakes are frequent in the Pacific region due to its location along the “Ring of Fire.”
