Earthquake shakes cyclone-hit Vanuatu

Cyclone-hit Vanuatu looks likely to have escaped damage from a magnitude 6.5 earthquake which struck off its coast.

Source: Google Maps

Remote islands of cyclone-hit Vanuatu have been shaken by a powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake.

The epicentre of the quake was 135km northwest of the town of Santo and it was registered at a depth of 10km, the US Geological Survey said.

Around 2,000 people may have endured moderate to strong shaking on Thursday, while more than 180,000 were likely to experience some level of vibration.

Vanuatu, which continues to recover from the devastating Cyclone Pam a year ago, reported no immediate damage or casualties.

There is no threat of tsunami for Vanuatu or Pacific neighbour Australia.