05 Dec 2018 | 06:34 AM UTC
New Caledonia: East coast evacuated for tsunami threat after quake Dec. 5 /update 2
Evacuation orders remain in effect for eastern coast of New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands following 7.5-magnitude earthquake; tsunami waves possible for New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Fiji
Event
Evacuation orders due to the threat of tsunami waves remain in effect for the eastern coast of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands as of 17:20 (local time) on Wednesday, December 5. The warning was adjusted to exclude the west coast of the island, including the capital of Nouméa. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PWTC) issued a tsunami threat statement, warning of waves of 1-3 m (3.3-10 ft) on New Caledonia and Vanuatu and waves of 0.3-1 m (1-3.3 ft) on Fiji. There are no reports of casualties or infrastructure damage as of 17:20. Further aftershocks and tsunami waves are possible.
Context
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck 168 km (104 mi) southeast of Tadine (New Caledonia) at 15:18 on Wednesday, December 5, followed by at least eight powerful aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.9 to 5.9.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to evacuate low-lying coastal areas, monitor developments to the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks and tsunami waves, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that tsunamis are a series of powerful waves and there may be long periods of time between wave crests.
