Powerful earthquake jolts South Pacific near Vanuatu

A powerful earthquake has been reported off the South Pacific island of Vanuatu at a depth of 41 km (25 miles) with no immediate reports of its impact.

The magnitude 7.1 quake occurred at 03:55 local time, 63km (39 miles) south of the capital, Port-Vila, the US Geological Survey said.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center ruled out a Pacific-wide tsunami.
Vanuatu, a chain of 80 islands with a population of a quarter of a million, is prone to quakes and tsunamis.

Several powerful aftershocks later struck the same area, at least one with a magnitude of 7.0. The US Geological Survey earlier said the first quake was of a 7.5 magnitude.
It is not clear what damage has been caused.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of the possibility of more localised tsunamis.

Are you in, or near, Vanuatu? Have you been affected by the earthquake? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14603993

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