Vanuatu struck by strong earthquake in tsunami-sensitive region

An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck the Sola, Vanuatu region late on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. So far, there is no update on a Tsunami warning.

The quake was estimated at a depth of 193 km (119.92 miles), USGS added.

Vanuatu is a double chain of 13 principal and many smaller islands in thesouth-western Pacific Ocean.

The islands are volcanic and coral in origin.

They lie about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and nearly 1800 kilometres east of Australia. Around 65 of the islands are inhabited.

Why Vanuatu is prone to earthquakes?

Vanuatu is situated along the "Ring of Fire," a circle of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

This country faces an annual cyclone season, recurrent droughts, and floods, rendering it among the world's most susceptible nations to natural calamities.

According to the UK government's foreign travel advisory, the cyclone season in Vanuatu spans from November to May, posing a significant risk of potent winds, heavy rainfall, and subsequent flooding, landslides, and road closures.

Over 2,000 seismic events are recorded annually, with occasional larger earthquakes and tremors exceeding a magnitude of five.

Active volcanoes are situated on Tanna, Ambae, Ambrym, Lopevi, Vanua Lava, and Gaua islands.

Vanuatu confronts rising sea levels and intensifying cyclones that adversely impact its economy.

The island nation has submitted a draft UN resolution seeking advisory from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning legal obligations and consequences related to climate change-induced harm.

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