Sonali Tiwary
Two strong earthquakes struck near Vanuatu, one after another. If you live in Australia, the first question is simple: is a tsunami heading our way? Authorities said no tsunami threat was currently issued for Australia. Here is what is known so far, and what it means for Australians and Pacific islanders.
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck about 200 km west of Sola, Vanuatu, at 12:31pm AEST on Saturday 24 October, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). A magnitude 6.3 quake followed about five minutes later. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for coastlines within 300 km of the epicentre. It first listed the larger quake at 7.2, and the USGS later revised it to 6.9. The Bureau of Meteorology said no threat is currently issued for Australia. Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific.
For Australians, the immediate risk from these quakes is low, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Anyone with family or travel plans in Vanuatu should follow the instructions of Vanuatu’s authorities. Tsunami warnings can change, so check official updates before assuming the all-clear holds.
Why back-to-back quakes are harder to assess
Damage assessment is slower after twin quakes. The second shake can hit buildings that the first one already weakened. It is like a second punch landing on the same bruise. Early damage reports may understate the total. This is an inference from how back-to-back quakes work, not a reported finding.
Is there a tsunami warning for Australia today? The Bureau of Meteorology said no threat is currently issued for Australia following the twin earthquakes off the coast of Vanuatu.
For updates, check the Bureau of Meteorology. Our guide to tsunami warnings explains the alert levels, and our Pacific travel advice roundup covers travel changes.
