07 Dec 2023 | 01:19 PM UTC
South Pacific: Magnitude 7.3 earthquake strikes near Vanuatu at around 23:56 Dec. 7
FLASH: Magnitude 7.3 earthquake strikes near Vanuatu at around 23:56 VUT Dec. 7. Tsunami waves possible in Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
A severe magnitude-7.3 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific near Vanuatu at around 23:56 VUT Dec. 7. The epicenter was around 125 km (78 miles) south of Isangel, Vanuatu. Significant damage and casualties are possible in areas close to the epicenter. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has warned of possible tsunami waves in parts of Vanuatu and New Caledonia within a 300km (186 miles) radius of the epicenter.
This is a developing situation; additional information will be issued as warranted.
Vacate multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Move away from the immediate coastline as a precaution due to the potential for tsunamis.
