The manager of Vanuatu's geo-hazards department says this morning's 6.4 magnitude quake is a timely safety reminder.
Esline Bule said there were no reports of damage or injury as a result of the quake centred in Erromango, and no warnings were issued.
She said it was a tectonic event and was not related to the recent increase of volcanic activity further north.
Ms Bule said although this morning's quake was without incident, more severe events can cause a sudden tsunamis.
"If they feel a big earthquake, that they cannot stand, it means that the earthquake is big with a magnitude higher than seven. So when they feel an earthquake like this they have to move to higher ground. That's the only advice that we can give to people now."