Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake in Loyalty Islands: Submarine Cables Stable and Fully Operational
Earthquake in Loyalty Islands
An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 struck the southeastern part of the Loyalty Islands at 17:45:54 UTC on July 13, 2026. The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, a region known for its active tectonic activity due to the convergence of the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates. This seismic event garnered attention not only for its geological significance but also for its proximity to critical submarine telecommunications cables that support regional and international connectivity.
Cables in the Earthquake Zone
Within a 500 km radius of the earthquake's epicenter, two submarine cables were identified as being in the vicinity: Gondwana-2/Picot-2 and Tamtam. The Gondwana-2/Picot-2 cable, spanning 1515 km, was commissioned in 2022 by OPT (Office des Postes et Télécommunications de Nouvelle-Calédonie). This cable serves as a vital link connecting New Caledonia to other regions, with a key node located in Tadine, which is approximately 396.6 km from the epicenter. Its strategic importance lies in its ability to facilitate high-speed internet and communication services for New Caledonia, ensuring seamless connectivity to the global network.
The second cable, Tamtam, is 411 km long and is slated for operation in 2027 under the management of Prima. This cable is designed to enhance connectivity between Vanuatu and neighboring regions, with a segment passing through Tanna Island, located 444.2 km from the earthquake's epicenter. Although still inactive, the Tamtam cable represents a promising addition to the region's telecommunications infrastructure, aimed at bolstering resilience and redundancy in the network.
What Our Measurements Show
GeoCables' monitoring systems confirmed the stability of both cables during and after the earthquake. Gondwana-2/Picot-2 exhibited no deviations in its baseline characteristics, with the average round-trip time (RTT) consistently ranging between 45-50 ms, reflecting optimal operational performance. This stability underscores the cable's robust design and ability to withstand seismic impacts.
Although the Tamtam cable is not yet operational, preliminary assessments of its physical structure indicate no damage from the earthquake. These findings affirm the resilience of the region's underwater infrastructure, which is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted communication services during seismic events.
Potential Risks for Communication
The Loyalty Islands region is situated in a seismically active zone, making it susceptible to earthquakes and other tectonic phenomena. While the current cables demonstrated resilience, future seismic events could pose risks to the infrastructure, potentially disrupting global internet traffic. The Gondwana-2 and Tamtam cables are integral to communication between New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and other regions, and their operational integrity is essential for ensuring connectivity and minimizing disruptions.
Further Monitoring and Analysis
GeoCables will continue its proactive monitoring of submarine cables in the region to ensure their operational stability. Special attention will be directed toward detecting any delays, degradation in communication quality, or physical impacts on the cables. The commissioning of the Tamtam cable in 2027 will mark a significant milestone, and its performance under seismic conditions will be closely evaluated to confirm its reliability.
Current data reaffirm the high reliability of the underwater infrastructure in the Loyalty Islands region, highlighting its critical role in supporting stable global communications. GeoCables remains committed to providing comprehensive monitoring and analysis to safeguard the integrity of these essential networks.
