New Caledonia: Tsunami alert lifted following 7.5-magnitude earthquake /update 3

Event

The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PWTC) lifted the tsunami alert issued for New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Fiji, after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern coast of New Caledonia at 15:18 (local time) on Wednesday, December 5. There have been no reports of casualties or infrastructure damage as of 21:00. Further aftershocks are, however, possible.

Context

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck 168 km (104 mi) southeast of Tadine (New Caledonia) followed by at least eight powerful aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.9 to 5.9. Evacuation orders due to the threat of tsunami waves were put in place for the eastern coast of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands.

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 adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.