A tsunami warning has been put in effect for numerous countries in Oceania, including New Zealand and Fiji, after a powerful earthquake struck Loyalty Island, New Caledonia, on Wednesday afternoon. The earthquake followed a series of tremors that struck around a similar area within the space of two hours.
An earthquake struck the south-east of Loyalty Islands, at 1.20pm on Wednesday February 10, it’s been confirmed.
It was 20 miles deep, and measured 7.7 on the Richter scale.
Based on the earthquake parameters, widespread tsunami waves are possible, warned the National Tsunami Warning Centres.
The tsunami waves could arrive at any point over the next three hours, and could be between 0.3 and 1.0 metres above tide level.
The big 7.7 earthquake followed a series of similar tremors within the same hour.
At 12.24pm, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the same area.
Eight minutes later, a 5.7 earthquake struck, before a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit half an hour later.
At 2.18pm, a 5.6 scale earthquake was also recorded.
Residents in New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia have now been told to brace for a major tsunami.
“A tsunami is a series of waves,” said Unesco. “The time between wave crests can vary from five minutes to an hour.
“The hazard may persist for many hours or longer after the initial wave.
“Impacts can vary significantly from one section of coast to the next dup to local bathymetry and the shape and elevation of the shoreline.
“Persons caught in the water of a tsunami may drown, be crushed by debris in the water, or be swept out to sea.”