7.4 quake off Vanuatu

· RNZ
Photo: EARTHQUAKES USGS. GOV

The US Geological Survey says a 7.4 earthquake has been recorded off Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila.

The quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), USGS said.

Tsunami waves

The US Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii said tsunami waves have been observed and are forecast for some coasts.

It expects tsunami waves reaching one meter are possible for some coasts of Vanuatu.

The tsunami is expected to reach the Anatom Island and Esperitu Santo in Vanuatu anytime from 1.30pm local time.

While Fiji, Kermadic Islands, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna are forecast for tsunami waves less than 30 centimetres.

It said the coastal regions of Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and the CNMI should refer to Pacific Tsunami Warning Center messages.