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Magnitude 7.2 quake near Vanuatu prompts tsunami threat
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said hazardous waves were possible along Vanuatu coasts after a shallow quake at 0231 UTC Saturday, initially listed by USGS as magnitude 7.2.
A shallow earthquake struck west of Vanuatu at 0231 UTC on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, prompting the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to warn that hazardous waves were possible along nearby Vanuatu coasts1,4.
The U.S. Geological Survey's automatic solution, cited by Stuff and used by PTWC, listed magnitude 7.2 at about 10 kilometers (6 miles) depth, roughly 200 kilometers west of Sola1,3,4. A later USGS reviewed origin associated with the same event lists magnitude 6.9 mww, 197 kilometers west-northwest of Port-Olry, with a green PAGER alert3.
PTWC's first threat message said hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 300 kilometers of the epicenter along Vanuatu, with an estimated initial arrival of 0301 UTC at Espiritu Santo4. PTWC said actual arrival times can differ and the first wave may not be the largest4.
PTWC told people in threatened coastal areas to stay alert and follow national and local authorities4. Stuff said there was no immediate information about damage or injuries1.
What is unknown includes whether waves were observed, any damage or injuries on Vanuatu, and whether PTWC will cancel or extend the threat after further data1,3,4.
Sources
How it’s being reported
4 versions from 2 sources
Magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes near Vanuatu, tsunami threat issued
The 7.2 figure, 10 km depth, and PTWC wave-arrival estimate for Espiritu Santo.
Reports a magnitude 7.2 quake west of Sola and a PTWC tsunami threat for nearby Vanuatu coasts, with no immediate damage reports.
Leaves out The later USGS reviewed magnitude of 6.9.
Magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes waters near Vanuatu, USGS says
Leads with what someone said.
M 6.9 - 197 km WNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu
The reviewed 6.9 magnitude, green PAGER alert, and tsunami flag.
Reviewed USGS origin lists magnitude 6.9 mww at 10 km depth, associated with the automatic 7.2 product.
Leaves out Detailed tsunami heights.
PTWC tsunami threat message number 1, Vanuatu
Local tsunami threat to Vanuatu, not a Pacific-wide warning.
Threat message based on a preliminary magnitude 7.2 at 0231 UTC, warning of possible hazardous waves within 300 km along Vanuatu coasts.
Leaves out Observed wave heights.