29 Aug 2018 | 06:19 AM UTC
New Caledonia/Fiji/Vanuatu: Tsunami warning issued following series of earthquakes August 29
US Geological Survey issues tsunami warnings for New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu following series of five earthquakes on August 29; waves may reach 1 m (3.3 ft) above tide level
Event
The US Geological Survey (USGS) issued a tsunami warning at 16:34 (New Caledonia time) on Wednesday, August 29, for New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Fiji. The notice warned of tsunami waves up to 1 m (3.3 ft) above the tide level. Smaller tsunami waves of up to 0.3 m (1 ft) were also issued for nearby Polynesian islands, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand.
The region experienced a series of five earthquakes on Wednesday, beginning with a 7.1-magnitude tremor at 14:51, all roughly 200 km (120 mi) west of Ile Hunter, New Caledonia. Further aftershocks, and tsunamis, are possible in the coming hours and days.
Context
The region is in the active seismic belt called the "Pacific Ring of Fire" and frequently experiences earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis. Tsunamis are a series of slow-moving waves that can vary in height and time between crests.
Advice
Individuals in the affected regions should monitor the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks and tsunamis, and adhere to any instructions issued by local or regional authorities.
