Powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Vanuatu

An earthquake has shaken Vanuatu, with reports of people fleeing buildings during the 6.1 magnitude quake.

Geoscience Australia's map of the earthquake. Source: Geoscience Australia

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck off the coast of Vanuatu, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The quake hit at 8am local time and was centred 33km southwest of Port-Vila, the USGS reported, at a depth of 21.8km.

There have been report of people running from buildings and items falling from shelves during the quake, however US seismologists said there were no immediate reports of damage.

The agency also said there was low likelihood of casualties and damage although it added that recent earthquakes in the area had caused secondary hazards such as landslides.

People in the region live in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking,  although some resistant buildings exist.

Vanuatu, with a population of about 280,000 spread over 65 inhabited islands, is regarded as one of the world's most disaster-prone countries.

A screenshot of the USGS' interactive map of the earthquake. Source: USGS

It sits on the so-called "Pacific Rim of Fire," making it vulnerable to strong earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, while powerful cyclones also regularly lash the islands.