Australian tsunami threat passes after large earthquake rocks South Pacific

A TSUNAMI warning for parts of Australia has just been cancelled, with the threat of large waves now passed.

The warning was issued after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near New Caledonia in the early hours of this morning.

The South Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia’s Lord Howe Island were all issued with tsunami alerts.

“Marine threat warning for Lord Howe Island. Tsunami affecting marine area commencing after 2.45 am AEDT Thursday, persisting for several hours,” the Bureau of Meteorology said on Twitter.

TSUNAMI CONFIRMED. Observation – Norfolk Is at 2:15am AEDT. MARINE THREAT warning for LORD HOWE ISLAND. Issued by JATWC 3:01 AM AEDT Thu 11 Feb 2021. Tsunami affecting marine area commencing after 2:45 am AEDT Thu, persisting for several hours Warnings at: https://t.co/cuhd1HTN87 pic.twitter.com/KtL1fMMoyh

— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) February 10, 2021

The earthquake wasn’t expected to have any effect on the Australian mainland, but tsunami waves of 35 centimetres were observed in waters off the Gold Coast.

It’s understood that warnings aren’t issued until waves surpass 40 centimetres.

The tsunami warning for Lord Howe Island was cancelled around 6.00 am Queensland time.

“The main tsunami waves have now passed all expected Lord Howe Island locations,” the Bureau tweeted a short time ago.

“Small unusual waves may continue, but Tsunami Warnings for Lord Howe Island have been cancelled.

“NSW State Emergency Service will advise the All Clear when safe to return to coastal areas.”