A major 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the Pacific Island Republic of Vanuatu, causing power outages and shaking, but as of yet, no major damage has been reported, according to catastrophe modeler Risk Management Solutions (RMS).
The quake struck earlier today in the Pacific Ocean, about 22 miles deep and about 25 miles from Vanuatu's capital, Port-Vila, Efate, RMS said, citing the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
RMS said the highest intensity shaking, categorized as "severe" on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, affected approximately 3,000 people. "Severe" shaking, RMS said, "could be expected to cause moderate/heavy damage to resistant structures and heavy damage to vulnerable structures."
The largest town nearest to the epicenter, Port-Vila, has a population of 36,000 and experienced "very strong" shaking as measured by the MMI scale. That level of ground shaking could be expected to cause moderate damage to resistant structures and moderate/heavy damage to vulnerable structures, RMS said. Shaking in Port-Vila was felt for approximately 15 seconds, RMS said, citing media reports.
RMS said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) reported a small tsunami was generated by this earthquake. Sea level measurements indicate that a tsunami with a wave amplitude of nine inches was recorded at Port-Vila, and waves of higher height may have been experienced in the region at other coastal locations, RMS said.
The USGS reported several aftershocks in the area over magnitude 5 throughout the day.
