Recent seismic activity has been recorded in the South Pacific Ocean, particularly around New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands.
On October 3rd at 04:36 am (GMT +11), a moderate earthquake struck, registering a magnitude of 4.7 at a depth of 13 km. The epicenter was located approximately 41 km west of the Loyalty Islands, with the nearest major city, Noumea, situated 489 km to the west. This follows a similar event on September 6th, where another quake of magnitude 4.8 occurred, also in proximity to New Caledonia, specifically about 339 km east of Tadine.
The seismic activity has seen a pattern of quakes throughout recent months, with notable incidents on September 3rd and August 25th, where magnitudes of 5.0 and 4.3 were reported, respectively. These recent occurrences have drawn attention to the region, known for its geological volatility.
Prior to these quakes, in May 2023, there were several notable tremors, including one that registered a magnitude of 7.1, occurring southeast of Mare Island and 314 km from Noumea. The region appears to be experiencing a series of seismic disturbances that have been recorded for over a decade.
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Historically, the Loyalty Islands and surrounding areas have faced numerous seismic events, with significant records dating as far back as the early 20th century. Notably, in 1981 and 1986, earthquakes registered magnitudes above 7.0, demonstrating a long-standing pattern of geological activity.
Authorities and residents in New Caledonia remain alert as aftershocks and future seismic events could continue to impact the area. The potential for geological hazards remains a concern for inhabitants and those monitoring seismic activity in this part of the Pacific Basin. There are ongoing monitoring efforts in place to better understand the seismic behavior of this region and to provide timely information to the public.
