Tsunami panic as 7.7 magnitude earthquake hits Pacific sparking evacuations and warning of ‘unpredictable surges’

THE Pacific has been hit by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake this morning sparking fears the tremors could trigger a catastrophic tsunami.

Vanuatu, Fiji, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Kiribati are on high alert after the quake rocked the sea near the Loyalty Islands.

It struck at a depth of around 24 miles in the area which is part of the "Ring of Fire" - a highly geologically active line of tectonic plates surrounding the Pacific.

It is known for fierce earthquakes and active volcanos as the plates that make up the surface of the Earth crash into each other.

Friday's quake was followed by a 5.9 magnitude aftershock nine minutes later.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned waves could reach up to one meter in height along some coasts of Vanuatu.

They previously suggested they may hit the shoreline at three metres tall, before downgrading the initial assessment.

Smaller waves were expected in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Guam and New Zealand’s remote Kermadec Islands.

A tsunami warning was issued by the U.S. Tsunami Warning System explaining affected coasts will experience "hazardous" conditions.

At least one beach was evacuated in New Caledonia after eight centimetre tsunami waves were recorded, a government official said.

Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office urged locals to seek safety on higher ground and evacuate from coastal areas.

They said an earthquake of this magnitude "has the potential to cause a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines near the epicenter within minutes and more distant coastlines within hours".

New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency said it expected coastal areas would experience strong and unusual currents, with unpredictable surges at the shoreline.

It said: ";Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.

"People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries."

The dangerous currents surges "will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this advisory is cancelled," NEMA added.

Australia’s Bureau of Metrology also issued a marine tsunami warning for Lord Howe Island amid fears of "dangerous rips, waves and strong ocean currents."

They said: "These conditions are expected to commence after 4.15 pm (local time) on Friday and persist for several hours.

"It is important to exercise caution and be aware of these potential hazards if you plan to engage in any activities in the marine environment during that time.”

Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency said no tsunami threat is expected from the quake yet.