A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, at 2:47 PM local time today.

The quake occurred at a depth of 43 kilometres and was followed by a magnitude 5.5 aftershock in the same location.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicenter to be 30 kilometres west of Port Vila.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued warnings of possible tsunami waves for some coastal areas in Vanuatu.

Vanuatu, comprising about 80 islands with a population of approximately 330,000 people, is situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it prone to seismic activity.

Minister Mark Mitchell added, “NEMA has advised me that there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand from the earthquake near Vanuatu this afternoon.

We continue to monitor the situation in Vanuatu closely and stand ready to assist.”