Tsunami alert issued after 7.3 magnitude earthquake hits off Vanuatu coast
Initially, magnitude 7.4 was reported, but it was later reduced.
MOSCOW - A magnitude 7.3 earthquake was recorded off the coast of the Pacific state of Vanuatu, and a tsunami threat was declared, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 01:47 GMT some 30 kilometres west of the capital of the state, Port Vila, with a population of some 36,000 people. The epicentre was located at a depth of 43 kilometres.
Initially, magnitude 7.4 was reported, but it was later reduced.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that, based on preliminary parameters, tsunami waves are possible for coastlines located up to 300 kilometres from the epicentre of the earthquake. There are no reports of possible casualties or damage as a result of the earthquake. - BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
