Vanuatu, Oct 24: Vanuatu, a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean (near Australia), was struck by three powerful earthquakes early Saturday morning. Measuring 7.2, 6.9, and 6.3 on the Richter scale, the tremors occurred within minutes of each other, causing significant alarm among the local population. Following the intense shaking, a tsunami warning has been issued for coastal areas as a precautionary measure.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first and most powerful earthquake—registering a magnitude of 7.2—occurred at approximately 8:12 AM (Indian Standard Time). Its epicenter was located deep underwater, 200 km west of Sola, the capital of the Torba province.
Three tremors occurred within minutes of one another. The first shock (magnitude 7.2) was recorded deep underwater, 200 km west of the coast of Sola, at 8:12 AM. Second tremor (magnitude 6.9): Just minutes after the first tremor, the ground shook 197 km northwest of the village of Port Olry, located on Espiritu Santo Island in the Sanma Province.
Third tremor (magnitude 6.3): Only 11 minutes after the second shock, another tremor was recorded 170 km from the same Port Olry, at a depth of 10 km. Since this was a shallow earthquake, it raised fears of powerful waves along the ocean surface and the extensive coastal region.
Major disaster averted: Although the repeated tremors sparked fears of a tsunami along the coastline—prompting the activation of warning sirens—fortunately, no large waves have struck the shore so far. There are no immediate reports of building collapses or casualties. Nevertheless, local authorities have issued strict instructions for people to stay away from the coastline and move to higher ground.
Why do earthquakes occur frequently in Vanuatu?
The New Hebrides Trench and the ‘Ring of Fire’: Vanuatu is located within the Pacific Ocean’s notorious ‘Ring of Fire.’ This area features the New Hebrides Trench, a subduction zone where the Australian tectonic plate slides beneath the Pacific Plate. Due to the constant collision of these tectonic plates, this region is one of the most seismically active areas in the world.
Over 70 tremors in a month: According to a report by ‘GeoShake,’ an organization that monitors earthquakes, more than 70 tremors—ranging from minor to significant—have been recorded in the Vanuatu region over the past 30 days. The 7.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred on Saturday morning is [one of these events]… It is extremely powerful.
Another tremor just on October 20th: A 6.3-magnitude earthquake occurred near this same Port-Olry just four days ago (October 20th).