Residents in the coastal areas throughout southern, central and northern Vanuatu have been told to evacuate and move to higher ground after an earthquake struck in the Kermedec Islands region this morning.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department said destructive tsunami waves between 0.3 and 1.0 metres remains possible along the coastlines of the southern, central and northern parts of the country.
The National Disaster Management Office is advising people who have moved to higher ground to remain there until an ‘all-clear’ message is given.
An earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter Scale was located at a depth of 10km about 1745km east southeast of Aneityum at 6.28am (local time) today.
Updates will be provided as details are made available.
Photo USGS