CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Vanuatu. A powerful earthquake struck near the Vanuatu archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean on Saturday. Initial reports measured its magnitude at 7.2. The earthquake occurred under the sea at a depth of about 10 kilometres, raising the possibility of a tsunami in nearby coastal areas. In its initial assessment, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said dangerous sea waves could occur within a 300-kilometre radius of the epicentre.
Coastal areas of Vanuatu under watch: According to initial data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was about 200 kilometres west of the Sola region of Vanuatu. The initial warning advised nearby coastal areas, including Espiritu Santo, to remain alert. Officials said tsunami waves can arrive in several stages and that the first wave is not necessarily the largest.
Warning assessment later changed: According to reports by news agency Associated Press and Australian broadcaster ABC, the initial tsunami warning was later withdrawn. The assessment of the earthquake’s magnitude also changed. The USGS later put the magnitude at 6.9. A few minutes later, another earthquake of magnitude 6.3 was also recorded in the region.
For now, initial reports had not immediately confirmed major damage or loss of life. Officials advised people in the affected area to follow instructions from the local administration and disaster management agencies. Since initial data related to earthquakes and tsunamis can change, it is important to monitor the latest official updates.
Hashtags: #WorldInternational #Bhopal #SouthPacific #Vanuatu #Earthquake #TsunamiAlert #USGS #PacificTsunamiWarningCenter #Magnitude72Earthquake #दक्षिण
