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A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu in the South Pacific on Saturday, October 24, 2026, triggering a tsunami warning that was subsequently lifted, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC).
The earthquake occurred at approximately 1:31 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 197 km (122 miles) west-northwest of Port Olry, at a depth of 10 km (6 miles).
- A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on October 24, 2026, at a depth of 10 km, followed by a magnitude 6.3 aftershock.
- The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of potentially hazardous tsunami waves along coastlines within 300 km of the epicenter before lifting the threat.
- No immediate damage was reported, and Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology confirmed there was no tsunami threat to the country.
The initial tremor was followed by several aftershocks, including a preliminary magnitude 6.3 earthquake recorded approximately five minutes later.
There were no immediate reports of damage following the earthquakes.
Tsunami warning issued for Vanuatu’s coastal areas
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned that potentially hazardous tsunami waves could affect coastlines within 300 km of the earthquake’s epicenter. Its preliminary threat assessment identified Vanuatu as the area potentially exposed to tsunami activity.
Persons located in threatened coastal areas should stay alert for information and follow instructions from national and local authorities.
The larger earthquake was initially assessed at magnitude 7.2 by tsunami monitoring authorities before the USGS established a revised magnitude of 6.9.
The USGS located the earthquake approximately 200 km west of Sola, Vanuatu, with the event occurring at 12:31 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that no tsunami threat had been issued for the country.
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cancels tsunami threat
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center subsequently withdrew its tsunami threat assessment after reviewing the available seismic and ocean monitoring data.
In its final advisory, issued on October 24, the center confirmed that the tsunami threat associated with the earthquake had passed.
The agency advised coastal communities to remain observant and exercise normal caution near the sea, noting that minor sea-level fluctuations could still occur in some coastal areas during the following hours.
The USGS continued recording seismic activity around the affected area, including the magnitude 6.3 aftershock. No immediate damage was reported, and the tsunami warning was no longer in effect.
