6.8-magnitude quake hits Vanuatu: USGS

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu today, the US Geological Survey said, but no tsunami warning was issued.

The quake struck at a depth of 178 kilometres and about 58 kilometres northeast of the town of Port-Olry.

Vanuatu is part of the "Ring of Fire," a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific frequently subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Last year the island nation was rocked by a series of quakes, including some that prompted tsunami warnings.