ECHO Daily Flash

published on 05/12/2018

A strong earthquake of 7.5 M at a depth of 10 km occurred in the south-west Pacific Ocean close to New Caledonia (special collectivity of France, total population 245 580) on 5 December at 4.18 UTC. The epicentre was located offshore 165 km south-east of La Roche (Maré Island, Loyalty Islands, east of New Caledonia) and 315 km east of Nouméa (Grande Terre Island, New Caledonia). Moderate shaking was felt by up to 3 000 people.
The main earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, ranging between 5.6 M and 6.6 M at a depth of 10 km, until 6.43 UTC.
The earthquake triggered a tsunami that was detected by several sea level instruments in the area. As of 5 December at 7.30 UTC, the maximum measured heights are: 0.72 m in Lenakel town (Tanna Island, Vanuatu); 0.45 m in Ouinne (south-eastern Grande Terre Island, New Caledonia), 0.43 m in Maré Island, 0.29 m in Lifou Island (New Caledonia) and 0.15 m in Thio (south-eastern Grande Terre Island). The European Commission's Joint Research Centre is closely monitoring the situation.
As of 5 December at 7.30 UTC, there are no reports of casualties or damage. An evacuation order is in effect for areas within 300 m of the east coast of Grande Terre Island, the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands.