Magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes near Vanuatu, tsunami warning lifted

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck near Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, with a tsunami warning for coastal areas subsequently lifted. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.2 before downgrading it.According to the USGS, the epicenter of the quake was approximately 200 kilometers west of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10 kilometers below the seabed. Vanuatu’s Department of Geological Hazards had warned residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground, and the Hawaii-based Tsunami Warning Center had also indicated the possibility of dangerous waves along the coast. However, the tsunami warning was later canceled.Former Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Alatoi Ismael Kalsakau, reported that five earthquakes occurred on Saturday, with aftershocks continuing. He urged residents to remain safe.Vanuatu is located in the Pacific Ocean’s ‘Ring of Fire,’ a region known for frequent seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. This geological setting makes the island nation highly susceptible to earthquakes.The USGS also reported another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 near the same area on Saturday. There have been no immediate reports of human casualties or significant material damage from the latest seismic events.Vanuatu has experienced several significant earthquakes in recent years. Last month, in September 2026, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Espiritu Santo Island. Previously, on December 18, 2024, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake caused extensive damage in the capital, Port Vila, resulting in 14 deaths and over 200 injuries.Authorities continue to monitor the situation, but as of now, details regarding any human or material losses from Saturday’s earthquakes have not been released.