Major Earthquake Reported Over Vanuatu

Quincy Vagell
Published: October 20,2015

A graphic showing the epicenter of the earthquake.

A major earthquake, magnitude 7.1, struck just off the coast of the island nation of Vanuatu Wednesday morning (local time), where residents are still struggling to recover from Tropical Cyclone Pam.The quake was centered about 22 miles (35 kilometers) northeast of Port-Olry, Vanuatu and was downgraded slightly after initially being rated magnitude 7.3.
With an epicenter at a depth of 79 miles, there is no threat of any significant tsunami occurring. Furthermore, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that, according to data, a “Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected."

Reports of damage or injuries were not readily available, but Shadrack Welegtabit, director of Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office, told local media officials are awaiting word from islands located near the epicenter.
Many of the Vanuatu islands suffered significant damage when Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam struck the area in March.
(MORE: Cyclone Pam Flattens Vanuatu)
More than 3,300 Vanuata residents were left homeless from the devestation caused by Pam and 11 lives were lost.
For reference, the Vanuatu islands are just over than 1,000 miles (more than 1,750 kilometers) east of the northeast portion of Australia.
This is a developing story, as more updates will be posted as they become available.