Multiple earthquakes, including a powerful tremor measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck the Vanuatu Islands region in the South Pacific Ocean on Saturday, according to preliminary reports from seismic monitoring agencies.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude 6.9 earthquake around 197 km west-northwest of Port-Olry, at a depth of 10 km.
A further earthquake measuring 6.3 was recorded around 170 km northwest of Port-Olry, also at a depth of 10 km. The German Research Centre for Geosciences separately recorded the major seismic activity in the region.
The initial 7.2-magnitude report placed the epicenter around 200 km west of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of approximately 10 km. The tremors were recorded within a short period, indicating significant seismic activity in the area.
A tsunami warning was issued for the surrounding region following the strong earthquake but was later rescinded, according to the Associated Press. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific located in a seismically active zone where earthquakes frequently occur due to tectonic plate movements.
The effects of such events depend on their magnitude, depth and proximity to populated areas.
Authorities and monitoring agencies continued tracking the seismic activity as further details emerged.
