A shallow 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake’s epicentre was approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles) east of Luganville, the country’s second-largest city, the USGS said.
In its initial assessment, the agency rated the risk of landslides and the number of people exposed to potential hazards as low.
There were no immediate reports of damage, while Vanuatu’s natural hazards department had not issued a tsunami warning at the time of reporting.
Vanuatu Experiences Frequent Earthquakes
Earthquakes are common in Vanuatu, an archipelago located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast zone of seismic activity stretching across Southeast Asia and the Pacific basin.
The latest tremor follows another earthquake recorded off the country’s coast in August.
According to the USGS, the earlier earthquake measured 6.1 in magnitude and struck approximately 56 kilometres (35 miles) north-east of the coastal village of Port Olry.
The August earthquake occurred at a depth of 188 kilometres.
Deadly Earthquakes Reported Elsewhere
Earthquakes have also caused significant destruction in other parts of the world.
In July, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Peru’s Andes region, killing five people and injuring another 21.
The nighttime tremor shook Chongos Bajo, a town approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) east of Lima, according to Peru’s Geophysics Institute.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 24 kilometres (15 miles).
General Luis Vasquez, director of Peru’s National Civil Defence Institute, said the shallow depth of the earthquake and the construction materials used in local buildings contributed to the damage.
He noted that many houses in the affected area were built with adobe or quincha, a traditional construction method involving wood, cane and mud.
