Vanuatu earthquake: Magnitude 7.3 quake strikes near Luganville

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake has struck near Vanuatu. Photo / Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake has struck off the coast of Vanuatu this evening.

The quake hit about 7.44pm local time at a depth of about 116km, according to the US Geological Survey.

It struck in the sea about 35km northeast of Luganville on Santo Island, roughly 300km north of the capital Port Vila.

A tsunami has struck near Vanuatu. Photo / USGS

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department said there was no tsunami threat.

Residents in the Torba, Sanma, Penama, and Malampa provinces were warned, however, to stay away from the coastal areas.

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