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20 Mar 2019 | 04:01 PM UTC

Vanuatu: 6.2-magnitude offshore earthquake recorded on March 21

6.2-magnitude offshore earthquake recorded on March 21; aftershocks possible over coming hours and days

Warning

Event

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Vanuatu at a depth of 124 km (77 mi) some 48 km (30 mi) east-southeast of Luganville at 02:23 (local time) on Thursday, March 21. No damages or casualties were reported and no tsunami warning was immediately issued. Aftershocks are possible in the area over the coming hours and days.

Advice

In the event of further earthquakes and aftershocks, individuals should protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls (ideally in a corner), and to not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.