Two earthquakes offshore from Vanuatu, measuring 6.9 and 6.3, led to a tsunami warning on Saturday, October 24, but authorities later lifted it, and no immediate damage was reported.
The stronger quake struck at about 1:30 p.m. local time, about 197 kilometres west-northwest of Port-Olry on the island of Santo, at a depth of about 10 kilometres, the U.S. Geological Survey said. A second quake of magnitude 6.3 followed nearby. Further aftershocks were reported.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center first warned that dangerous waves could affect coastlines within 300 kilometres of the earthquake’s center. Vanuatu’s Geological Hazards Department urged people in coastal areas to move to higher ground while the warning was active. The larger quake was first estimated at magnitude 7.2, then revised down to 6.9.
The warning was later cancelled after monitoring agencies reassessed the threat. Vanuatu’s former prime minister reported that tremors were continuing. The former prime minister urged residents to stay alert and follow official updates.