Powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake hits off Vanuatu Islands, Port-Vila struck by small tsunami

August 10th, 2010 - 6:44 pm ICT by BNO News  

van PORT-VILA, VANUATU (BNO NEWS) — A powerful earthquake struck off Vanuatu Islands on Tuesday, seismologists said, generating a small tsunami that struck the Vanuatu capital of Port-Vila.

The 7.5-magnitude earthquake at 04:23 p.m. local time (0523 UTC) was centered about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west-northwest of Port-Vila. It struck about 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) deep, making it a shallow earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that a small tsunami was recorded at Port-Vila. According to the Hawaii-based center, sea level readings indicate a wave amplitude of 23 centimeters was observed.

According to the center, this was the first initial measurement of the first arriving tsunami wave, but added that no destructive widespread tsunami threat exists.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the earthquake or the tsunami.

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in World News |

Subscribe