On October 24, 2026, at 02:31 UTC, a powerful earthquake with magnitude 7.2 occurred in the region of the Vanuatu islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. The epicenter was located approximately 200 km west of the city of Sola, with coordinates at 13.800° south latitude and 165.700° east longitude. The depth of the epicenter was approximately 10 km, which is classified as a shallow earthquake and increases the potential danger of tsunami formation. Following the seismic event, the tsunami warning system was activated. Specialists from the tsunami warning center are monitoring the situation and assessing possible consequences for coastal areas in the region. Vanuatu is located in a zone of high seismic activity — the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions regularly occur due to collision of tectonic plates. Information about casualties, damage, and possible tsunami was still being clarified at the time of publication.