SYDNEY: A powerful earthquake struck under the sea near Vanuatu early Sunday, prompting a tsunami warning for three South Pacific nations.
The US Geological Survey said the 7.3 magnitude quake was about 140 miles south of Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila. It struck Sunday just after midnight about 15 miles (24 kilometres) below the ocean floor. The strength was initially reported as magnitude 7.6.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said a tsunami wave measuring about 6 inches (15 centimetres) was recorded on some coastlines at Vanuatu. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. New Caledonia and Fiji were also warned a tsunami was possible on their coasts.
Vanuatu is part of the Pacific "ring of fire" — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones stretching from Chile in South America through Alaska and down through the South Pacific.
A 7.5 temblor that struck under the sea floor just 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Port Vila in August panicked residents but did not cause significant damage.