7.0-magnitude quake hits Vanuatu, tsunami warning issued

HONG KONG: A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific nation of Vanuatu early Friday, the United States Geological Surveysaid, with a tsunami warning issued.
The quake, which occurred at a depth of 35km was originally measured at 7.3 magnitude by the National Tsunami Warning Center(NTWC).
"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300km of the epicentre along the coast of Vanuatu," the NTWC said.
The quake hit 209km from the capital Port Vila, according to USGS.
Vanuatu is part of the "Ring of Fire", a zone of tectonic activity aroundthe Pacific that is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
A 6.5-magnitude tremor hit the country earlier this month but no tsunami alerts were issued. — AFP