29 Aug 2018 | 07:54 AM UTC
New Caledonia/Fiji/Vanuatu: Tsunami warning lifted August 29 /update 1
US Geological Survey lifts the tsunami warning issued for New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu on August 29; additional aftershocks and subsequent tsunamis are possible
Event
The US Geological Survey (USGS) issued a statement at 17:45 (New Caledonia time) that the tsunami threat near New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu had passed. Tsunami waves were recorded in the area between 0-0.3 m (0-1 ft) above the normal tide level. There remains a possibility of further aftershocks and a risk of tsunamis in the coming hours and days.
Context
The waves were triggered from a series of five shallow earthquakes approximately 200 km (124 mi) off the coast of New Caledonia, the largest being a 7.1-magnitude quake located 26.7 km (16.5 mi) deep that struck at 14:51. A tsunami alert was issued by the USGS at 17:45 for the areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
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.
