Important Note: The map displays areas with a shake intensity of 4 or higher, as defined by the U.S.G.S. as ”light,” but tremors may be felt beyond these regions. This information was reported by The New York Times.
A significant earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale occurred in the Coral Sea on Tuesday, as confirmed by the United States Geological Survey.
Following this seismic event, a brief tsunami alert was issued for parts of Vanuatu, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System under the National Weather Service. Fortunately, authorities declared that there is no longer a threat as of 2:14 p.m. local time.
The earthquake took place at 12:47 p.m., local time in Vanuatu, approximately 19 miles west of Port-Vila based on data from official sources.
Initial reports from U.S.G.S indicated a magnitude of 7.4 for this seismic activity.
As experts analyze available data further, there might be revisions to the reported magnitude of this earthquake and updates to the shake-severity map based on additional information gathered.
Ongoing Aftershocks
Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that typically follow larger ones within similar geographic areas. These events represent minor adjustments along fault lines affected during initial seismic activity.
Seismic Activity Within Proximity
Aftershocks can persist for days, weeks, or even years after an initial earthquake occurrence and may match or exceed its magnitude while impacting previously affected regions further.
Source: United States Geological Survey | Please note that shaking categories are determined using Modified Mercalli Intensity scale criteria. Maps and charts include aftershock details within a radius of 100 miles and seven days post-initial quake when available data permits analysis. All times mentioned are in Vanuatu time zone with shaking data accurate up to Monday night at Eastern Time (9:01 p.m.) and aftershock details updated until early Tuesday morning Eastern Time (4:18 a.m.).