A powerful earthquake measuring 7.2 in magnitude was reported in the Vanuatu Islands region of the South Pacific Ocean on Saturday, October 24, according to preliminary information shared by earthquake monitoring sources.

A second reading of magnitude 6.9 was also reported in the same region around 25 seconds apart, as per United States Geological Survey.

The first earthquake report placed the epicentre around 200 km west of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10 km. The second reading placed the epicentre around 197 km west-northwest of Port-Olry, also at a depth of 10 km.

Both readings point to shallow seismic activity in the same part of the South Pacific.

However, it remains unclear whether they represent two separate earthquakes or preliminary estimates of the same seismic event.

TSUNAMI THREAT, DAMAGE REPORTS AWAITED

There was no confirmed information available in the supplied reports about casualties, damage to buildings or disruption across Vanuatu following the earthquake.

The tsunami status also remained unconfirmed in the information provided. Residents in coastal areas should follow official advisories issued by Vanuatu authorities and recognised tsunami-warning agencies.

Vanuatu is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, located in a seismically active region where earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates.

The impact of a major earthquake depends on factors such as its magnitude, depth, distance from populated areas and the characteristics of local infrastructure.

Further updates from official seismic monitoring agencies are needed to establish the final magnitude, epicentre and whether the two reported readings correspond to separate events.

Source: India Today