Strong earthquake hits near Vanuatu

August 7, 2006

The United States Geological Survey announced that a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck near the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.

The earthquake occurred at 22:18:55 UTC on August 7, only 75 km (50 miles) east-southeast of Luganville, or 215 km (135 miles) north-northwest of the nation's capital, Port-Vila. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a bulletin, saying the earthquake was of magnitude 7.0, but did not expect a widespread tsunami.