A tsunami watch has been issued for Australia after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck in New Caledonia.
The Bureau of Meteorology on Friday afternoon warned of a potential threat to people on Lord Howe Island following the undersea earthquake at 12.57pm eastern time near the Southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
Australia on #Tsunami Watch after magnitude 7.6 #earthquake near Southeast of Loyalty Islands. Potential threat for #LordHoweIsland. Latest info here: https://t.co/Tynv3ZQpEq. pic.twitter.com/RlP5ntbfKS
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) May 19, 2023
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the Southeast of Loyalty Islands sparking a tsunami warning for Lord Howe Island. Picture: tsunami.gov
In an update shortly after 2pm, the BoM said an eight centimetre tsunami wave had been observed in New Caledonia.
A potential tsunami could begin affecting Lord Howe Island after 4.15pm, BoM said.
An alert from the agency at 1.10pm stated the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre was closely monitoring the situation and would “advise immediately if there is cause for concern”.
There is no threat posed to Australia’s mainland, while islands close to the earquake have not been identified as at risk.
More to come.