Powerful Quake Strikes Off Vanuatu, Tsunami Warning Issued for Coasts Within 300 Kilometres

A powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. Its magnitude was initially reported as 7.2, but the US Geological Survey (USGS) later revised it to 6.9. A tsunami warning was issued after the quake.

Following Saturday's quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued an alert. The information was reported by the news agency AFP.

The Hawaii-based agency said that, based on preliminary earthquake data, dangerous tsunami waves could strike coastal areas located within 300 kilometres of the epicentre.

The USGS said the epicentre was about 200 kilometres northwest of the town of Port-Olry in Vanuatu. The agency also reported another earthquake of magnitude 6.3 in the same area.

However, the report gave no immediate information on whether tsunami waves had struck anywhere, or whether there had been any casualties or damage.

Earthquakes occur frequently in Vanuatu. The country lies on the Pacific's earthquake-prone zone known as the 'Ring of Fire'.

In this belt, which stretches from Southeast Asia across the Pacific basin, the movement of tectonic plates frequently causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Island nations in the region therefore regularly face the risk of such natural disasters.

Abnormal sea-wave behaviour after a powerful quake is what creates the risk of a tsunami. Warning centres therefore issue advance alerts for coasts near the epicentre so that residents have time to move to safety.

The authorities concerned are monitoring the situation to assess the tsunami risk, it was reported. The next decisions on the alert level will be taken after analysing sea-wave and aftershock data.

Although no casualties or damage have been reported so far, information from remote island areas may take time to arrive. Attention remains on the next updates from local authorities and international agencies.