Fiji Earthquake 2017: 6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Struck South of Fiji On Early Wednesday, Triggering Tsunami

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The aftermath of any earthquakes is devastating. Japan experienced yet another earthquake of 6.9-magnitude on Richter Scale. The Fiji earthquake struck about 176 miles south of Fiji around 6.2 miles below in the South Pacific Ocean on early Wednesday. The earthquake was soon followed by a 5.7-magnitude aftershock and then tsunami warnings were released in order to alert people.

The updates were posted by ABC News this morning stating that the earthquake of 6.9-magnitude struck at 10.52 a.m., local time. The earthquake sparked panic amidst people living within the radius of 300 kms after which many companies in Suva, which lies in the epicenter of the earthquake, which orders employees to transit to any higher ground to protect themselves.

The earthquake last 10-15 seconds at Sigatoka Market which is not prone to high-magnitude earthquakes. Comments of Susan Slattery, Red Cross Australia aid worker were recorded stating that as soon as the officials alerted the city to evacuate to above ground, the whole city did the same.

RT added information stating that although a tsunami warning was released, it was later canceled. The center claimed that there might be sea level fluctuations although tsunami is not imminent. Seismic activity had been recorded by the Tsunamic Warning Center and will help for further probing.

Tracing back the history of seismic activities on Fiji Islands, on 14 September 1953, a massive 6.8-magnitude quake hit the Suva resulting in eight deaths and destruction of property. The aftermath tsunami destroyed the city. Researchers discovered the origin of the tsunami and found out that it was created because of 60 million cubic meter submarine landslide after the quake. An Earthquake in Japan which struck Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power shows devastating after effects even after 5 years.

Spiro Spiliopoulos, Senior Seismologist of Geoscience Australia released a statement that the reason for quake lies between the tectonic plate of Australian and Pacific Plates. Aftershocks were felt at New Caledonia, Vanuatu, parts of American Samoa, and Tonga, although the land of New Zealand remains undisturbed.