06 Sep 2018 | 04:12 PM UTC
Fiji: 8.1-magnitude earthquake strikes off Fiji coast September 7
8.1-magnitude earthquake strikes off Fiji coast on September 7; no tsunami warning issued by the US Geological Survey (USGS)
Event
At approximately 03:49 (local time) a 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck 114 km (71 mi) southeast of Suva. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has not issued a tsunami warning as of 04:00. 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.