Strong earthquake hits Vanuatu, issues tsunami warning


WELLINGTON, New Zealand—A magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked the Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu on Sunday, triggering a tsunami warning that was withdrawn hours later, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The epicenter of the quake was 23 kilometers (15 miles) from Port Olly and had a depth of 27 kilometers (17 miles).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the threat of a tsunami heading for the nearby coast of Vanuatu has passed. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

About 280,000 people live in Vanuatu, but it is prone to natural disasters, with six active volcanoes and regular cyclones and earthquakes. It is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of seismic faults around the Pacific where earthquakes and volcanoes are common.

Associated Press