Australia’s Lord Howe Island issued tsunami warning after undersea earthquake

Tsunami warnings have been issued for New Zealand and Vanuatu after an earthquake rocked the Pacific, one with Aussie island in the firing line.

A tsunami watch has been issued for Australia after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck in New Caledonia.

The Bureau of Meteorology on Friday afternoon warned of a potential threat to people on Lord Howe Island following the undersea earthquake at 12.57pm eastern time near the Southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Australia on #Tsunami Watch after magnitude 7.6 #earthquake near Southeast of Loyalty Islands. Potential threat for #LordHoweIsland. Latest info here: https://t.co/Tynv3ZQpEq. pic.twitter.com/RlP5ntbfKS

— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) May 19, 2023

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the Southeast of Loyalty Islands sparking a tsunami warning for Lord Howe Island. Picture: tsunami.gov

In an update shortly after 2pm, the BoM said an eight centimetre tsunami wave had been observed in New Caledonia.

A potential tsunami could begin affecting Lord Howe Island after 4.15pm, BoM said.

An alert from the agency at 1.10pm stated the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre was closely monitoring the situation and would “advise immediately if there is cause for concern”.

There is no threat posed to Australia’s mainland, while islands close to the earthquake have not been identified as at risk.

The government’s Smarttraveller agency made an announcement of its own while informing Australians Tsunami waves could reach one metre in coastal areas of Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Kiribati and New Zealand.

“Follow the instructions of local authorities, including immediate evacuations to higher ground. Aftershocks may occur. Be informed and prepared. Read what to do during and after an earthquake and tsunami,” the agency tweeted.

New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency told people to stay out of the beach and move away from coastal areas.

This map shows affected areas. Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. People in or near the sea in these areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries. More info at https://t.co/ccVFYR8001pic.twitter.com/klTgDFHh4C

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) May 19, 2023

“Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore,” the NEMA said.

“People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.”

The National Disaster Management Office in Vanuatu issued an immediate evacuation order for people located in coastal regions.

People in regions close to the beach have been told to immediately seek refuge on higher ground and listen to all radio outlets.

RNZ reported a tsunami threat had been issued for Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia.

The warnings were issued just after 3pm (local time) by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake was 10km deep.

The quake was followed by a 5.9 aftershock nine minutes later.

More to come.

Originally published as Australia’s Lord Howe Island issued tsunami warning after undersea earthquake