Paris: An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale shook the French-controlled Pacific island of New Caledonia. The quake struck at 4.44 pm local time in the eastern region yesterday. The U.S. Geological Survey issued a tsunami alert for the Pacific islands of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji after the quake, but it was soon withdrawn.
The U.S. National Weather Service warned of tidal waves of less than 0.3 meters off the coasts of Vanuatu and Fiji, but said the threat was far from over. But officials said people should remain vigilant. No damage was reported from the quake in New Caledonia.
