7.0-magnitude earthquake rocks Vanuatu Islands, South Pacific, no tsunami threat

A magnitude 7 earthquake struck the Vanuatu Islands on Monday (March 30), the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 115 kilometres, does not pose a tsunami threat, according to the US Tsunami Warning Centre.

Vanuatu is a Pacific island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies east of Australia, north-east of New Caledonia, and west of Fiji. The country is an archipelago of about 83 islands and is part of the region known as Melanesia.

Earthquakes do's and don'ts

Do’s

• Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations; seek expert advice if there are structural defects.
• Anchor overhead lighting fixtures securely to the ceiling.
• Follow BIS codes relevant to your area for safe building standards.
• Fasten shelves firmly to walls.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• If no shelter is nearby, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner.
• Stay under safe spots like an inner door lintel, a table, or even under a bed.

Don’ts

• Do not move unnecessarily during shaking.
• Do not stand near buildings, trees, streetlights, or utility wires.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors, and walls.
• Avoid objects that may fall, such as lighting fixtures or heavy furniture.

(This is a developing story; Further details are awaited)