3 Apr 2016

Tsunami warning lifted after Vanuatu quake

9:42 pm on 3 April 2016

A tsunami threat has largely passed following a major earthquake off Vanuatu.

The 7.2 magnitude quake hit 81km NNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu.

The 7.2 magnitude quake hit 81km NNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. Photo: USGS Screenshot

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake, downgraded from a 7.2 earlier, struck 81 km northwest of Port-Olry, and was 35 km deep, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

It had issued a tsunami warning for the island nation but later lifted that warning.

New Zealand's Civil Defence said there was no threat of a tsunami here.

There had been no reports of damage in Vanuatu.

A New Zealander living in Port Vila, Jeff Brown, said he didn't feel the earthquake and was going to keep watching a DVD at home.

Earthquakes are common in the area and even large tremors often cause no tsunamis.

A 7.3 magnitude quake struck off Vanuatu in October and a 6.3 quake struck in December without causing any damage.

- RNZ News / Reuters