10 May 2023 | 10:48 PM UTC
Vanuatu: Magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs south-southeast of Tanna island at around 08:53 VUT May 11
Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs south-southeast of Tanna island, Vanuatu, at 08:53 VUT May 11. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean south-southeast of Vanuatu's island of Tanna at around 08:53 VUT May 11. The epicenter was about 86 km (53 miles) south-southeast of Isangel, which is located on Tanna. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 130 km (81 miles), and light shaking may have been felt in parts of Vanuatu and New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands Province. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event 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 where shaking occurred.
Advice
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
