The Pacific Ring on Fire

Fiji earthquake: Pacific islands ROCKED by HUGE 7.8 magnitude earthquake

A HUGE earthquake has struck off the coast of Fiji. The powerful 7.8 magnitude tremor hit 66 miles east of the Fijian capital of Suva at 4.39pm BST (3.49am Friday local time).

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1014031/fiji-earthquake-pacific-ring-of-fire-suva-tsunami-warning

The deep earthquake struck 377 miles under the surface, according to data from earthquake monitoring service the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Its depth meant only light shaking was felt on the surface.

A Twitter user who felt the quake said: “It was really strong, strong enough to wake me up at 3.50am in the morning!

“No damage was done, all we felt 20 mins outside of Suva city was a slight swaying of the house with doors creaking. Still safe to travel.”

No tsunami warnings have been issued following the quake.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said: “Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the Earth.”

The earthquake was initially registered as an 8.1 magnitude by USGS but was later downgraded to a 7.8.

Fiji sits on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', a 25,000 mile-long area in which some 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur.

The belt runs from New Zealand, through South East Asia and Japan and along the entire western coastline of the Americas.

Today’s earthquake in Fiji follows an 8.2 magnitude tremor which struck off the Pacific island nation on August 19.

Just yesterday, Hokkaido in northern Japan was rocked by a 6.7 magnitude quake.

Ecuador Earthquake: Quito and Guayaquil hit by earth tremor in ring of fire

THREE major earthquakes have hit South America within just one hour, including a massive 6.3 magnitude tremor which hit Ecuador’s capital Quito.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1014247/Earthquake-Ecuador-Quito-Guayaquil-earth-tremor-ring-of-fire

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile whilst another at 5.5 strength occurred on the Columbia/Panama border.

The quakes have been confirmed by the USGA, who monitor earthquakes.

It’s epicentre was to the east of Guayaquil, the most populous city in the country.

Ecuador resident Nancy Miorelli tweeted: “My building wiggled sufficiently all the way north in Quito.”

Any earthquake over 6 is categorised as ’Strong’ on the Richter Scale, which measures earthquake strength.

The earthquake took place at a depth of 93 kilometres.

Over two million people live within 100 kilometres of the earthquake.

Ecuador borders the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ which is susceptible to earthquakes.

It is not known if there have been any casualties (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

“My building wiggled sufficiently all the way north in Quito” (Image: GOOGLE MAPS )

The ‘Ring of Fire’ is surrounded by oceanic trenches and volcanic arcs, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Approximately 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes take place in the region.

It is not known if there have been any casualties.

Web developer Erick Alexander, who was in the county, commented: “Earthquake in Ecuador, was on the phone with my parents and little brother when it happened.

“Protect them dear God.”

Another Twitter user reported: “Was on the phone with someone in Quito as it happened.

“Tremors were felt first here in Cuenca but duration of tremors was longer in Quito.

“No damage here.”

Cuenca is a city in Ecuador situated to the south of the capital Quito.