A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean near the French territory of New Caledonia at 2:43 p.m. (PST) today (November 19), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The epicentre was located 10 kilometres (6 miles) deep and 82 kilometres (51 miles) east of Tadine in the Loyalty Islands region.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

It was followed by a 5.1-magnitude earthquake that struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles) and 68 kilometres east of Tadine at 2:58 p.m. (PST).