South Pacific: Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes southeast of the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia May 19 /update 2

Event

A severe magnitude-7.7 earthquake occurred southeast of the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, at around 13:57 NCT May 19. The epicenter was about 452 km (281 miles) east-southeast of Noumea. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 38 km (24 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia and southern Tafea Province in Vanuatu. The temblor has triggered a tsunami warning for nearby areas, including a potential threat to Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, and Vanuatu. Tsunami waves of 0.3-1 meters (1-3 feet) above the tide level are possible along some coasts of Vanuatu, while tsunami waves of less than 0.3 meters (1 foot) above the tide level are possible along the coasts of the rest of the South Pacific. Tsunami waves have been observed. Authorities in Australia have issued an emergency tsunami warning for Lord Howe Island, while authorities in Vanuatu have issued a tsunami advisory. Authorities in New Zealand have issued a tsunami marine advisory for Cape Reinga to Whanganui and from Cape Reinga to Tolaga Bay in North Island, and for the western coasts of the South Island from Farewell Spit to Milford Sound; strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore are likely. Authorities in New Caledonia ordered the evacuation of coastal areas but have since lifted the tsunami warning.

There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties due to the earthquake, and significant damage is possible if a tsunami occurs. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming hours and days.

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 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.

Move away from the immediate coastline; tsunamis can be long-duration events, and the threat may persist for hours. Vacate multistoried buildings or unreinforced structures in areas where strong shaking occurred; aftershocks could cause additional damage. Cellular networks may be overwhelmed; use text messaging if services are available. Due to the threat of landslides, seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected area.