Powerful 7.3 quake hits off Vanuatu, no tsunami threat

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean today, but no tsunami threat was detected, seismologists said.

The quake hit at a depth of 131 kilometres (81 miles) about 335 kilometres from the capital Port Vila, the United States Geological Survey said.

"Based on all available data a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.