LATEST: A Tsunami warning has now been issued for Lord Howe Island following a massive undersea earthquake.
The 7.7 magnitude quake struck southeast of the Loyalty Islands at a depth of 10kms just before 1pm AEST.
A Tsunami alert was initially issued for the popular Australian holiday spot, however, it has now been upgraded.
“A Tsunami Warning for the marine environment is current for Lord Howe island with an expected arrival time of 4:15pm local time (3:45pm AEST)” the Bureau of Meteorology warns.
“Marine threat tsunami can generate dangerous rips, waves and strong currents that pose a risk to surfers, swimmers, people in small boats and anyone else in the water.
“Tsunami waves are more powerful than the same size beach waves. There will be many waves and the first wave may not be the largest.”
So far, a 22-centimetre tsunami wave has been observed near New Caledonia.
The weather bureau has confirmed there is no land threat to the Australian mainland or Australian territories.
However, the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre says it is closely monitoring the situation and will advise immediately if there is cause for concern.
EARLIER: A tsunami watch has been issued for Lord Howe Island while warnings have been issued for several Pacific island nations after a massive earthquake.
The 7.7 magnitude quake struck southeast of the Loyalty Islands at a depth of 10kms just before 1pm AEST.
The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre says at this stage there have been no tsunami waves generated that may impact Australia.
However, residents on Lord Howe Island have been put on alert.
The centre advises that if a tsunami is generated, it may impact Lord Howe Island after 4.15pm local time.
“The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre is closely monitoring the situation and will advise immediately if there is cause for concern.”
Warnings have been issued for New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu.
More to come.
IMAGE: Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre
