In brief
The GFZ identified a 6.0‑magnitude earthquake off the Vanuatu Islands at 2146 GMT on Thursday, with an epicenter at 15.21°S, 167.36°E and a depth of 111 km. A Volcanodiscovery post later cited a 6.3‑magnitude event at a depth of 116 km near Luganville, indicating a possible discrepancy in magnitude and depth. No immediate damage was reported.
On Thursday, an earthquake struck the Vanuatu Islands, with the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) recording a 6.0‑magnitude event at 2146 GMT. The quake was centered at 15.21°S, 167.36°E, with a depth of 111 km and produced no immediate reports of damage, the agency said.
Xinhua reported the GFZ’s data, noting the epicentral coordinates and intermediate‑depth value. The agency’s bulletin confirmed the magnitude and depth but did not mention any aftershocks or casualties.
Less than a day later, Volcanodiscovery posted an earthquake alert indicating a 6.3‑magnitude shock at a depth of 116 km beneath an epicenter near Luganville in Sanma Province. The announcement emphasized an intermediate depth and highlighted the potential for strong tsunami activity, although no immediate tsunami warnings were issued.
An Instagram post also described a 6.0‑magnitude shock off Vanuatu, stating that initial reports did not raise a tsunami threat. The post did not provide coordinates or depth details.
Neither GFZ nor Volcanodiscovery reported any casualties or structural damage from the tremor. Local authorities have not yet released a formal assessment, but emergency services remain on alert for potential aftershocks.
Authorities urge residents in the region to monitor official updates as the situation develops and to prepare for the possibility of additional seismic activity.
