Fiji tsunami warning after 6.9 magnitude earthquake UPDATED
The earthquake, which struck at 10.53am NZ time, has been downgraded in magnitude.
Hot Topic
SCIENCE
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake was recorded to the southwest of Fiji at a depth of 17km in the ocean just before 11am.
Its strength was originally reported as 7.1 on the Richter scale but has since been downgraded. It depth was initially reported as 10km.
The Pacific Tsunami Centre says hazardous waves are possible for Fiji coasts within 300km of the epicentre.
The centre has since said the threat has passed. The epicentre was 221km southwest of Nadi.
The Ministry of Civil Defence in New Zealand says the quake occurred at 10.53am and that there is no tsunami threat to this country.
An aftershock of 5.7 at a depth of 10 kilometres has also been reported.
Local media reports show pictures of Fijians and tourists moving from beaches and low areas to higher ground as a precaution but no damage from the shakes, which lasted 10-15 seconds and rattled desks and chairs.
Staff reporter
Wed, 04 Jan 2017
Wed, 04 Jan 2017
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Fiji tsunami warning after 6.9 magnitude earthquake UPDATED
64158