Magnitude 7.2 quake hits Vanuatu, South Pacific

WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck today in the South Pacific 30 miles (45 km) southeast of Santo, Vanuatu, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake was at a depth of 107.3 miles (172.7 km), USGS said.

The epicenter was also 1,240 miles (1,996 km) northeast of Brisbane, Australia.

''Based on all available data a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami not expected and there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii,'' read an advisory from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The quake struck at 4:08 a.m. local time.

REUTERS RS KP2347