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New Caledonia declares evacuation in several areas due to tsunami

The United States Geological Survey reported a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near New Caledonia

MOSCOW, December 5. /TASS/. The authorities of New Caledonia (a special collectivity of France in the southwest Pacific Ocean) declared evacuation in several areas on Wednesday due to a tsunami that followed a powerful earthquake, the department for civil protection of Overseas France reported.

Residents of the eastern coast of New Caledonia, as well as people living on the Isle of Pines and on the Loyalty Islands have to leave the 300-meter-wide shore front, according to the department. The department reported that the risk of tsunami is not that high on the eastern coast, so there is no need in evacuation there now, but citizens were asked to be cautious and be ready to leave dangerous areas in case of a threat.

The United States Geological Survey reported a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near New Caledonia, after which the treat of tsunami was declared. A series of aftershocks with a 4.9 to 5.9 magnitude followed the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves one to three meters high there.