04 Sep 2022 | 08:56 PM UTC
New Caledonia: Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurs near Loyalty Islands at around 07:15 NCT Sept. 5
Magnitude-5.3 earthquake occurs near Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, at around 07:15 NCT Sept. 5. No immediate reports of damage, injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurred near New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands at around 07:15 NCT Sept. 5. The epicenter was about 75 km (47 miles) east-northeast of Tadine, New Caledonia. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking may have been felt in parts of the Loyalty Islands. 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 in areas 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.
