Noumea [New Caledonia], Dec 05 : An earthquake measuring 7.6 on Richter Scale struck off the east coast of New Caledonia on Wednesday.
According to Sputnik, the jolts were registered at 04.18 GMT at the depth of 10 kilometres and about 155 kilometres east-southeast of the Loyalty Islands off New Caledonia's east coast.
Tsunami warning has been issued for the region by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC).
Residents have been asked to find shelter while the authorities are organising an immediate evacuation.
French territory of New Caledonia sits on the "Ring of Fire", an area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean, which is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
