Small tsunami generated, no damage reported
MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Dec. 26, 2010) – A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake has struck off Vanuatu.
The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says the shallow quake generated a tsunami, but it cancelled a regional warning after the wave measured only 15 centimetres higher than normal in Vanuatu.
The centre says the tsunami may have been destructive along coastlines of the region near the earthquake epicentre.
The initial tsunami warning covered Vanuatu, Fiji and the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia.
There were no reports of damage or casualties.
Jackie Philip, a member of staff at the Melanesian Port Vila Hotel in the Vanuatu capital, says the hotel was busy with late-night Christmas revellers when the quake struck.
"Some of us, we ran outside and stood and watched the sea for a few minutes but nothing happened. There is no damage and no injuries," he said....