Note: The map shows areas with a shaking intensity of 4 or higher, which the USGS defines as “weak,” but earthquakes may be felt outside of the marked areas. new york times
A large magnitude 7.3 earthquake occurred in the Coral Sea on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Authorities said that a tsunami warning was briefly issued in parts of Vanuatu due to the earthquake. U.S. Tsunami Warning SystemIt is part of the National Weather Service. As of 2:14 p.m. local time, U.S. officials said the threat had disappeared.
The earthquake occurred about 19 miles west of Port Vila, Vanuatu, at 12:47 PM Vanuatu time.
USGS data previously reported a magnitude of 7.4.
Seismologists may revise reported earthquake magnitudes as they review available data. Additional information collected about the earthquake may allow USGS scientists to update shaking severity maps.
Aftershocks in the area
Aftershocks are small earthquakes that are usually followed by larger earthquakes in the same area. Aftershocks are usually minor adjustments to the fault section that slipped during the initial earthquake.
Earthquakes and aftershocks within 100 miles
Aftershocks can occur days, weeks, or even years after the first earthquake. These events may be of the same or greater magnitude as the initial earthquake and may continue to impact locations that have already suffered damage.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey | Note: Wobble categories are based on: Modified Mercalli intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and within 7 days of the initial earthquake. All times above are Vanuatu time. Shake data is as of 9:01 PM ET on Monday, December 16th. Aftershock data is as of 11:48 AM ET on Tuesday, December 17th.
