Following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred southeast of the Loyalty Islands in the French territory of New Caledonia, the risk of tsunami waves across the South Pacific has diminished.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has downgraded the national warnings and stated that the tsunami threat has largely subsided as of Friday afternoon.

Initially, the PTWC had issued warnings regarding the potential for waves reaching up to 1 meter above the normal tide level in 26 locations throughout the South Pacific. However, the situation has now improved, and the immediate risk of a tsunami has passed.

The Vanuatu Meteorology & Geo-Hazards Department has retracted its warning for residents to seek higher ground and stated that a destructive tsunami is no longer anticipated.

The department's website conveyed this information. Additionally, Australia's meteorology bureau initially issued a tsunami threat for Lord Howe Island, located off the east coast of Australia.

Approximately 450 inhabitants were advised to evacuate the water's edge due to the potential for waves and strong currents. However, this warning was subsequently downgraded to a marine warning, indicating a reduced level of risk.

Damien Ball, who works at Thompsons General Store on Lord Howe Island, expressed that the island's residents have chosen not to evacuate to higher ground in response to the tsunami threat. Mr. Ball stated that they have experienced similar situations in the past without any significant consequences, leading them to believe that the current warning may not pose a significant risk.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 38 km (24 miles).