A pair of strong undersea earthquakes struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Saturday afternoon, briefly triggering a regional tsunami warning before monitoring agencies confirmed no major wave threat was present.
The first quake, measured at magnitude 6.9 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) after initially being reported as a magnitude 7.2, hit around 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Sola at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. A second magnitude 6.3 tremor followed five minutes later in the same area.
Following the initial tremors, the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cautioned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible for coastlines located within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. The advisory urged residents in low-lying coastal zones across Vanuatu to remain alert and follow directions from local authorities.
Subsequent monitoring and oceanographic data indicated no hazardous waves materialized, leading authorities to lift the tsunami advisory. Neighboring nations, including Australia, reported no tsunami danger to their shores. There were no immediate reports of structural damage or injuries.
