New Caledonia: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck off the eastern coast of Australia, on Monday, triggering Tsunami alert.

The Tsunami warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) for New Caledonia and Vanuatu islands.

The alert stated that 'hazardous tsunami waves' were possible within 300km of the epicenter, reported.

The tremor hit at a depth 25 kilometres some 85 kilometres to the east of the lightly populated Loyalty Islands, initial data from the survey said.  According to reports, evacuation orders for the coastal regions have not been issued yet.

with PTI inputs