A tsunami threat has largely passed following a major earthquake off 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
