Massive earthquake strikes Pacific Ocean triggering tsunami warning near Australia
AN earthquake measuring 7.0 magnitude struck off the coast of Australia sparking a tsunami warning.
Huge waves in New Caledonia after 7.0 magnitude earthquake
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 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 said hazardous tsunami waves were 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 metre above the tide are predicted for New Caledonia while waves of less than 0.3 metres are predicted for the coasts of Vanuatu.
The earthquake struck at 10.43pm GMT (09.43am local time) last night.
There is currently no information on casualties of the incident or damage caused.
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, but those living near the sea were told to remain alert.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said: “Persons located near impacted coastal areas should stay alert for further information and follow instructions from local authorities.
“Remain observant and exercise normal caution near the sea.
“Minor sea level fluctuations of up to 0.3 metres above and below the normal tide may continue over the next few hours.”