New Caledonia: 7.0-magnitude earthquake Nov. 20, tsunami warning issued

Event

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake stuck off the coast of New Caledonia at around 09:45 (local time) on Monday, November 20. The epicenter was located some 80 km (50 mi) east of the Loyalty Islands. A tsunami alert has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center for areas within 300 km (185 mi) of the epicenter and tsunami waves have been observed at sea. Coastal areas of the Loyalty and Pine islands have been evacuated. 

No damage has been observed so far and no tsunami waves have made landfall. Aftershocks are likely, and can be of higher magnitude that the initial tremor.

Context

This earthquake followed a series of tremors that have hit the Loyalty Islands over the past few weeks, including a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on October 31.

New Caledonia is located on the "Ring of Fire," a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific that is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Advice

Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to follow all evacuation orders, be prepared for aftershocks, and heed any other instructions issued by local authorities.