Quake hits Fiji at night, no cause for alarm

November 10, 2009 08:27:46 AM

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Local authorities have reported no damages or casualties after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck deep in the ocean off the coast of Fiji last night.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake, capable of generating huge tsunamis and great damage, struck just before 11 p.m.

The quake was centered 110 kilometres north of Suva, the capital, at a depth of 570 kilometres.

No tsunami warning was given to the Fiji public by the country’s Mineral Resources Department.

Director of Meteorology Rajendra Prasad said his department also received no warning and was not told to be on watch “so there was no cause for any alarm”.

Panic hit Fiji on October 8 this year after a tsunami warning was issued for Fiji and neighbouring Pacific island countries by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

Three powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8, 7.7 and 7.1 that struck near the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu in the space of just over one hour caused the alarm.

As a result, schools and offices closed, tourists evacuated and people fled to higher ground, causing traffic jams and a clogged mobile phone system.

Local authorities are still working on an efficient nationwide alert system.

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