Tsunami warning canceled for 7.7-magnitude earthquake

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The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southeast of the Loyalty Islands. Photo: earthquake. usgs.gov

A tsunami warning has been lifted following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center canceled the warning four hours after it issued warnings for Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand.

“Based on all available data… the tsunami risk from this earthquake has now passed,” the center said.

“Small fluctuations in sea level of up to 0.3 meters above and below normal tide may continue over the next few hours.”

The warning came because of the earthquake that struck southeast of the Loyalty Islands at a depth of 38 km.

The Vanuatu Department of Meteorology and Geographical Hazards said there have been reports of tsunamis along the coastal areas of southern Vanuatu in the past four hours.

“Based on the available data, at 3pm (Vanuatu time) there are waves of about 0.7 meters high recorded on the Linakil tide gauge,” the ministry said.

“The tsunami threat is now over. This is the last advice for this tsunami unless the situation changes.”

Earlier on Friday, people living in coastal areas of Vanuatu and New Caledonia were required to “immediately evacuate” to higher areas for safety.

While in Fiji, coastal communities were advised by authorities to take precautionary measures.

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