Earthquake strikes Vanuatu

Port Vila, Jul 2: US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struk the Republic of Vanuatu.

Quake struck with an epicentre 222 kilometres northwest of the port city Luganville at 5 pm local time.

USGS and The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre reported there was no threat of a destructive widespread tsunami.

The Geoscience Australia had assessed the quake to be a magnitude 6.8 and at a depth of 66 kilometres.

Pacific nation Vanuatu lies on the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', known for its seismic and volcanic volatility owing to friction between giant, moving plates in the earth's crust. The country was hit by three major quakes in Oct 2009.

OneIndia News