(eTN) – Loyalty Islands, part of the French territory of New Caledonia, is on the receiving end of a one-two punch from mother nature.
Just two hours ago, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked through the archipelago in the Pacific and, according to Radio New Zealand, the islands are on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Vania makes its way towards them for a direct hit.
No reports have been made yet on possible damage to the area caused by the earthquake, which was recorded at a depth of 7 kilometers.
The cyclone is expected to hit the islands tonight and will intensify into Friday morning before it makes its way out to the open ocean. Tourists are being moved inland for safety.
