An under-sea earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale has struck off the coast of Fiji, prompting tsunami warnings to be issued for the coastal regions of the pacific island.
The quake struck at 2152 GMT (just before 9:00am Australian time) according to the US Geological Survey, with its epicentre at some 284km off the south-east coast of the island nation. The quake’s depth was measured at approximately 15.2km.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre subsequently issued alerts for some coastal regions of Fiji and other pacific islands in the region, warning of waves that could reach between 0.3 and 1.0 metres above the tide level.
The threat forecasted any potential waves to hit the coast around 11:45am local time, or 9:45am AEDST.
As of 2259 GMT, the PTWC stated that the threat of tsunamis occurring in the region had passed.
No tsunami warnings or threats were issued for Australia or New Zealand.
Fijian officials stated that the quake was felt in the capital of Suva.
Source: PTWC.
Photo: DEA, F. Barbagallo/Getty.
