A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit the Pacific nation of Vanuatu on Sunday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at 9:23 am local time at a depth of approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles) below the ocean’s surface. Its epicenter was located about 83 kilometers (51 miles) northwest of Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.
Despite the earthquake’s significant magnitude, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that it is not expected to generate a tsunami. The quake struck near a sparsely populated cluster of islands, reducing the immediate threat to heavily populated areas.
As of now, there have been no reports of damage or casualties. Authorities in Vanuatu are monitoring the situation closely and have advised residents to stay alert for potential aftershocks.
Vanuatu, an archipelago of around 320,000 people, is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of intense seismic activity stretching through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific Ocean. Earthquakes are common in this region due to the movement of several major tectonic plates.
While this latest earthquake has not caused significant harm, it serves as a reminder of the persistent seismic risks faced by countries within the Ring of Fire.
From News Desk