Powerful 7.1 earthquake strikes off the coast of New Caldonia

A very strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.1 hit off the coast of New Caledonia at 03:51 UTC on August 29, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 26.7 km (16.6 miles). EMSC is reporting Mw7.1 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles). This earthquake can have a low humanitarian impact

based on the magnitude and the affected population and their vulnerability. According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 231.2 km (143.7 miles) ESE of Tadine (population 7 492), New Caledonia and 290.7 km (180.7 miles) SSE of Isangel (population 1 437), Vanuatu. There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles). Some 6 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking and 340,000 light. READ MORE