Strong Earthquake Strikes Pacific Island Nation of Vanuatu

The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu was on Tuesday struck by a major 7.5-magnitude earthquake that generated a small tsunami and forced thousands of frightened residents flee for higher ground.

Photo: Strong Earthquake Strikes Pacific Island Nation of Vanuatu

Vanuatu --lying between Fiji and Australia and north of New Zealand. However, the temblor did not appear to have caused any significant damage in the South Pacific island nation, RTTNews reports.

A strong 6.0 magnitude quake has shaken the Pacific island of Vanuatu, a day after the country was struck by a 7.5 magnitude quake which triggered a small tsunami.

The 6.0 quake struck 75 kilometres north-west of the capital, Port Vila, at a depth of 41 kilometres. No tsunami warning was immediately issued.

Tuesday's 7.5 magnitude undersea quake, which was 35 kilometres deep and just 46 kilometres from Port Vila, generated a small tsunami. Buildings in the capital shook for about 15 seconds, according to Australia Network News.