Vanuatu hit by 6.2 earthquake

A strong 6.2 earthquake hit the Pacific nation of Vanuatu this morning, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, news agency AFP has reported.

Witnesses said buildings shook heavily for 10 seconds, throwing items off shelves, when the quake struck just after 10:00 am (11am NZ time).

The US Geological Survey said the undersea quake hit 29 kilometres west of the capital Port Vila at a depth of 51 kilometres.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center based in Hawaii did not issue a tsunami alert for the region, the AFP report said.

Vanuatu sits on the 'Pacific Ring of Fire,' where a meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity.