Vanuatu: Magnitude-5.1 earthquake strikes offshore in Coral Sea near Vanuatu, at 1515 VUT April 10

Event

A magnitude-5.1 offshore earthquake occurred near Vanuatu, at around 1515 VUT April 10. The epicenter was about 58 km (36 miles) south of Isangel. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 60 km (37 miles) and likely produced light shaking through Tafea Province, Vanuatu and Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties due to the earthquake; however, it could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments. Aftershocks are possible. The incident has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly in coastal areas near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.