Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation, was shaken by a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake, causing concern among residents.
The tremor, striking offshore near Isangel, triggered a brief tsunami warning, leading to a short night for many locals who stayed up in precaution.
The quake, occurring at a depth of 48 kilometers, didn't cause immediate damage, easing fears. Anna Erick, who works at a beachside hotel, described the midnight experience as scary but mentioned no harm to their property.
Vanuatu, situated in the seismic Ring of Fire, regularly experiences earthquakes. The recent incident adds to the country's history of seismic activities, including a 6.7 magnitude quake in November that prompted tsunami alerts.
The vulnerability of Vanuatu to natural disasters, including earthquakes, storms, and tsunamis, is highlighted in the World Risk Report, emphasising the need for preparedness and caution in such situations. Despite this, the recent earthquake did not result in significant harm, signaling a fortunate escape for the region.