Major earthquake strikes Vanuatu: 6.2 magnitude quake hits close Australian neighbour

A major earthquake has struck Vanuatu, one of the small islands bordering Australia.

The 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck around 8:17 PM local time on Wednesday.

It originated 95 km from Luganville, located on the island of Espiritu Santo, at a depth of 15 km.

Vanuatu Meteorology has not warned of a tsunami threat.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 (highlighted in orange) struck Vanuatu on Wednesday at around 8:17 pm local time

It is understood that the earthquake was largely unfelt and did not cause significant property damage.

The same area, near Maewo Island, was hit by two more weaker earthquakes in the following hours.

The second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 was recorded at 11:06 PM and a third earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 at 11:51 PM.

More to come.